11-21-2008, 11:54 AM
Robert's points are all too true. One could also use the A.D. 406 barbarian invasion as the beginning of the end in the West. Within a few short years, the ailing western empire was swept away.
But this was about opinions, and in my mind the Roman Empire starts with Augustus and ends with the fall of Rome. Constantine et al. certainly saw themselves as the Roman Empire, but at some point it morphed into something very different. Loss of the original--eponymous--capital seems as good a point as any.
But this was about opinions, and in my mind the Roman Empire starts with Augustus and ends with the fall of Rome. Constantine et al. certainly saw themselves as the Roman Empire, but at some point it morphed into something very different. Loss of the original--eponymous--capital seems as good a point as any.
"Fugit irreparabile tempus" (Irrecoverable time glides away) Virgil
Ron Andrea
Ron Andrea
