The fall of the roman military power

[Theodosius the Great]

You said :
"Even so, the Empire could've expelled the tribes who would later form the Visigoths if only both halves of the Empire cooperated. It almost happened with Stilicho but the East undermined his efforts."- I agree.

Ok, I thought when you said "disaster" that maybe you meant it was irreversable.

But it all began with the emperor (who's name you use) and his treaty

Yes, but the situation degenerated much further after his death. I think you agree with this also. Actually, you could say it started with Valens. IMO, he's the most culpable. It was his mess that Theodosius tried to clean up.

In fact Honorius was already 18 years old when his father died

He was the eldest, right ? Ok, I thought he was younger. So, maybe either way he would've been a bad choice had his father lived longer or not. I concede your point.

But I must say I like this discussion

As do I

It would be much easier for me to discuss in Dutch than in English. I am struggling to put my opinion in clear language.

Wow, I never suspected. I think you're doing great :wink: Here's a karma point for you.

Thank you for the engaging discussion, Severus.