[Reeses]

I would guess Rome really fell from government over-spending, defunding their military for welfare spending, and a breakdown in the culture caused by assimilation failure. Climate change would be a real long shot.

[Desdemona]

I would guess Rome really fell from government over-spending, defunding their military for welfare spending, and a breakdown in the culture caused by assimilation failure.

Not to mention adoption of immoral lifestyles and the weakening of the will to defend the empire. Talk about self-indulgent, decadent cultures. Not many in written history surpass it.

[Hardastarboard]

You just named most of the REAL major reasons Rome fell, and I’m willing to bet you’re not even a geologist.

[CriticalJ]

“I would guess Rome really fell from government over-spending, defunding their military for welfare spending, and a breakdown in the culture caused by assimilation failure. Climate change would be a real long shot.”

You beat me to it. I was going to say the same thing, minus the climate change line.

[BobS]

"I would guess Rome really fell from government over-spending, defunding their military for welfare spending, and a breakdown in the culture caused by assimilation failure."

Wherever the Romans went, they built things. They had great engineers. They hired local people. Slaves were unreliable. I spent 3 years in Europe. Check it out. The reason you can drive as fast as you want on the autobahns and autopistas is because their foundation was made of Roman bricks. Very smooth blacktop. Made for a Lamborghini in 5th gear.

[erman]

I would guess Rome really fell from government over-spending, defunding their military for welfare spending, and a breakdown in the culture caused by assimilation failure.

maybe the climate change was brought about by the flatulent Vandals as they came south to sack Rome? Hmmmmm, or they just didn't raise taxes enough on chariots to meet CAFE standards.

I wonder if the roman Senate bailed out the chariot makers?