11-28-2006, 01:35 PM
Quote:I really LIKE that theory of Christianity 'killing' the Empire but I wonder seriously if it is scientific at all... :? Otherwise, how can you explain the survival of the equally Christian Eastern half of the Empire for so long after its Western counterpart fell?
Aitor, read the post..
I agreed with Tim that Gibbon was wrong in the sense that Christianity was the ONLY factor, or even the MAIN one, however I do think however (which I wrote) that it was ONE OF the factors...
Of course the main factor was the Roman inability to develop a stable succession system, which cause too many pretenders to make a gamble for the throne, resulting in civil wars, resulting in trade loss through insecurity, resulting in civil unease, loss of revenue through loss of provinces, etc. Agriculture was also hit by this.
Apart from that, economic hardship because agriculture was hit ny natural unfavourable circumstances.. The East's survival often hang in the balance but their economy could sustain more than that of the West.
Robert Vermaat
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
MODERATOR
FECTIO Late Romans
THE CAUSE OF WAR MUST BE JUST
(Maurikios-Strategikon, book VIII.2: Maxim 12)
