Did the Roman Empire 'decline and fall' or did it evolve into something new? (Rough Draft)

The Roman Empire is not seen as evolving into something new. The Roman Empire fell because of the issues within its empire. Through many years, the empire suffered from bad Emperors and other issues. It was considered one of the best Empires in history but it did have its problems here and there, which lead to a declination. Even though some believe the Roman Empire evolved into something new, perhaps, better, it is many problems resulted in the whole Empire “falling.” The Roman Empire did not decline or fall; instead it actually evolved into something different.

History shows that the Roman Empire was led by many different emperors throughout the years. The head figure of the empire was constantly changing. Or they would just end up being assonated for doing something that made a lot of the Romans mad. Throughout the 5th century, Western emperors were usually figureheads, while the Eastern emperors maintained more independence. "Under a democratical government the citizens exercise the powers of sovereignty; and those powers will be first abused, and afterwards lost, if they are committed to an unwieldy multitude. (Gibbon Chapter 2)" This quote shows the how the government in Rome was very disorganized. It was always being altered and changing. Ruler after ruler took over the title as Emperor, but only a few actually succeeded at the job.

Another reason that led to the fall of the Roman Empire was the issue over Catholicism. Gibbon states, "The influence of the clergy, in an age of superstition, might be usefully employed to assert the rights of mankind; but so intimate is the connection between the throne and the altar, that the banner of the church has very seldom been seen on the side of the people. A martial nobility and stubborn commons, possessed of arms, tenacious of property, and collected into constitutional assemblies, form the only balance capable of preserving a free constitution against enterprises of an aspiring prince (Chapter 3)." At first Catholicism was not legal in Rome and not many people believed in it. It was not made legal until Constantine’s mom was considering becoming a Christian. Then he saw a “sign” during a battle, which he believed helped him win it. Even though it was illegal for most of the time, the issue of Catholicism was debated for a long time and contributed to the decline of the Empire.

The last and one of the main causes for the fall of the Roman Empire was the constant wars and heavy military spending. Constant battles and warfare required heavy military spending. The Roman army became exhausted and needed more and more soldiers. The barbarians, who had been conquered, and other foreign mercenaries were then allowed to join the Roman army. "A warlike nation like the Germans, without either cities, letters, arts, or money, found some compensation for this savage state in the enjoyment of liberty. Their poverty secured their freedom, since our desires and our possessions are the strongest fetters of despotism. (Gibbon Chapter 9)” This quote shows how the Romans liked to get involved in battles and fighting. Even though they did not have a lot of money to spend, their determination is what would win them battles. Besides Alexander, the Roman Empire did not really have a strong emperor who was also a great leader in war. Many of the emperors only cared about themselves and their safety. This then led to many defeats in battle and more and more lives of soldiers lost. All of this also added to the Roman Empire falling over the years.

Many could argue that the Roman Empire evolved into something different or stronger but with all of these issues contributing towards each other; the empire really had no choice but to fall. Yes the Romans were good fighters and always determined, but they never had a steady ruler to lead them through even the toughest of times. Even now and then, someone good would come into power, but then would eventually be replaced with someone who may not have as much experience or confidence because they just inherited the position.  If good leaders were more constant, and issues like Catholicism were handled a little better, the Roman Empire wouldn’t have as many problems as it did.