The Fall of the Roman Empire

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There are several theories behind the reasoning for the fall of Rome. Such theories include: religion, decadence, and military problems. Although there are several factors that led up to this historical event, the fall of Rome occurred because of military problems. There were numerous conflicts between Rome and it’s military. Economically, the military became a burden on the government. The cost to keep a military took away the money needed to fund for public housing and to build roads. Politically, issues began to become visible. The military ran the government causing it to become weak and shut down and disloyal soldiers began to overthrow the military.

Money certainly did not grow on trees for the Romans. In fact, they were in desperate need for money. The cost to keep a strong military and equip them with the right weapons and armor to fight in battle were a huge burden on Rome because their funds were insufficient. Money put towards the construction of public housing and roads became a nonexistent fund because of the military. In an article written by Jose Fenestra titled, “The Reasons for the Fall of the Roman Empire,” he explains to his readers that, “Maintaining an army to defend the border of the Empire from barbarian attacks was a constant drain on the government.” This was indeed true. All of Rome’s money was put towards a military fund that was supposed to help maintain strong, loyal, and brave military forces.

However, the people of Rome were aware of the lack of money. Fewer and fewer people wanted to enlist in the military. To gain more soldiers, Rome promised soldiers with more money that was never going to come. Recruiting soldiers was not an easy task to accomplish. The division of the Roman Empire into eas...

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...es. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2013.

Fenestra, Jose. "The Reasons for the Fall of the Roman Empire." Humanities360.com. N.p., 24 May 2007. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.

Helgeland, John. Church History. Vol. 43. N.p.: n.p., 1974. Print.

"The Fall of the Roman Empire." Middle Ages Reference Library. Ed. Judy Galens and Judson Knight. Vol. 1: Almanac. Detroit: UXL, 2001. 7-18. World History in Context. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.

"The Impact of the Military in the Fall of the Roman Empire." The Impact of the Military in the Fall of the Roman Empire. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.

Mathisen, Ralph W., and Danuta Shanzer. Romans, Barbarians, and the Transformation of the Roman World: Cultural Interaction and the Creation of Identity in Late Antiquity. Farnham, Surrey: Ashgate, 2011. Print.

"THE REASONS FOR THE FALL OF ROME." THE REASONS FOR THE FALL OF ROME. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Nov. 2013.

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