Ten Theories on the Fall of the Western Roman Empire
How the theory impacted Rome
Barbarian
Invasions
Decline in
Morals and
Values
Environmental
and Public
Health
Problems
Excessive
Military
Spending to
Defend the
Empire
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Germanic tribes took over Italy
Pirates and bandits made travel unsafe
Roads and bridges left in disrepair
Cities declined
Violent crimes
32,000 prostitutes
Wasted $ for lavish parties
Passion for cruelty especially the
gladiatorial combats
Consumed too much lead
Lead pipes, utensils, etc.
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Had to defend borders from barbarians
Romans lost desire to fight
Had to hire soldiers from mobs or foreign
countries  expensive
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Relied too much on human and animal
labor
Despite engineering accomplishments,
Roman failed to invent machines or
technology to produce goods more
efficiently
Unable to provide enough good for
growing population
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Inferior
Technology
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Political, Social,
Economic, or Military
Factor
Similar, current issues in the United States
Inflation
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Political
Corruption
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Rise in
Christianity
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Unemployment
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Urban Decay
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Inflation = an increase in prices
Coins lost value
People began to barter = traded goods for
goods
Salaries paid in food and clothing
Taxes were collected in fruits and veggies
No effective system for choosing new
emperors
New emperors rewarded those who chose
them
Eventually, throne went to highest bidder
From 186 – 286 C.E., Rome had 37
different emperors – 25 of whom were
removed by assassination
Many followers of Christianity were
pacifists (opposed war)
Many qualified leaders led church instead
of empire
$ used to build churches and monasteries
Slave-owners could produce crops cheaply
Other farmers could not compete with
prices so they moved to cities
Not enough jobs in cities to employ
everyone
At one time, more than 100,000
unemployed in city of Rome
Poor Romans lives in small, smelly 6+ story
apartment houses
The higher the room, the cheaper it was. It
was also more dangerous and hotter.
If could not afford apartment, they lived on
the streets.