The Roman Empire

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that the primary reasons for the decline and eventual fall of the Roman Empire are the moral, social and political decadence and the loss of inner integrity that marked the final stages of this society. The author points out that this cause is linked with other factors such as the invasion of the various "barbarians", economics and the unequal distribution of wealth among others. The paper relates that the basic aspects of this decline refers to a combination and interaction between economic and political power including the disassociation of this power from the electoral base, invasive elements from outside the country that sapped important resources, internal and external strife and the decline of the cohesion of the society. The paper includes many quotations.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Reasons for the Decline of the Roman Empire
Decline and Decadence
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"However, some historians are of the opinion that, while all the above elements are critical to an understanding of the decline, they are all subservient to a central and vital factor, namely that the inner decadence, moral decline and loss of integrity within the Roman society and body politic in general were the foundational causes for the decline and fall of the Roman world. According to the renowned scholar in this area, Edward Gibbon, the fall of the Roman Empire was due to a loss of "Civic Virtue"."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bonta, Steve. "Lessons of Rome: The Rise and Fall of the Roman Republic Provides Lessons That Hint at Flaws in Modern Political Policies." The New American 21 Feb. 2005: 36+.
• Goldsmith E. The Fall of the Roman Empire: A social and ecological interpretation Retrieved February 11, 2006. Web site: http://www.edwardgoldsmith.com/page53.html
• Goode, S. (1998, August 10). Decline and Fall of Roman Empire. Insight on the News, 14, 18+. Retrieved February 12, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=5001379907
• Hanson, J. (1993). The Decline of the American Empire. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers. Retrieved February 12, 2006, from Questia database: http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=23482387
• Lecky, W. E. (1903). History of European Morals: From Augustus to Charlemagne (Vol. 1). New York: Appleton.

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