02-27-2013, 03:29 AM
Quote:Frank, I have not heard "shock therapy" used in this context, ...
"Shock Theory" not Therapy
I did not say, that I am fan of Heather, I just said, it is the other side of the same medal. Heather disputes a decline of the roman society and economy. He agrees that it was a different empire, but from his point of view it was not a less powerful one. And he is not alone with this opinion and has very good arguments. Very shortly spoken: The shock was the vicious-cycle of territory losses and tax-losses, which started in 406 with the invasion in Gaul.
I agree with him about this desastrous cycle in the 5th century, but I like to disagree about the capabilities of at least the western empire at this point of time in every department.
However it is a good read. History written like an adventure novel. And sometimes it is a good idea to read what you don't like to hear
If you like to hear how bad everything was and went to doom consequently, i reccommend: Ramsay MacMullen Corruption and the Decline of Rome. A real tragedy
Ut desint vires, tamen est laudanda voluntas