And So it Goes with Canada and America
Causes Of The Fall Of The Roman Empire
While the exact date of the fall of the Roman Empire is often up for debate, one thing is certain; a large number of events came together and lead to its eventual decline. Some of the most common reasons given for its fall include: Barbarian invasions, economic problems, division into the East and West, the introduction of Christianity, and lead in the water supply. A few of these are discussed below.
During the 4th century, the Roman Empire experienced a period filled with civil war and political instability, which created a window of opportunity for foreign invaders to make their way into the region. In 376, Roman forces were confronted by Barbarian fighters in the Battle of Adrianople. This battle resulted in the loss of a large number of Roman forces, leaving the Balkan area open to further invasion. Other Barbarian invasions resulted in further loss of territory and revenue for the Empire.
The Empire also faced a number of economic problems; inflation in particular had a large negative effect on the economy. The primary reason for this inflation was that Roman leaders devalued the currency in order to meet the high demand for coins. For example, by 268 AD, the amount of silver in a coin was only .02%, meaning that coins became only a representation of their former tangible value.
