The 1,000 man legion

[Ironhand]

In numbers yes somewhat, strength no. The security, strategy, and liberties of previous eras were gone. Rome previously had some good scraps against large numbers of enemies, but for the most part they were pretty secure in their power and could employ a majority of strength against whatever enemy came up. Cultural dynamics had changed greatly with the migrations and forced banding together for protection of previously smaller tribal groups. Rome had too many wolves at the border and within and even with previous strength in numbers it was no longer enough. Even in the East where Rome was at its strongest the enemies they faced had massive armies and it was more about maintenance than conquest and mass battles had to be fought selectively. Rome adapted admirably to the changes and in some ways they were at their height strategically and militarily, however their time was passing and no culture is imprevious to a similar falling even if the manner is different.