08-19-2004, 06:43 PM
Avete !<br>
<br>
Valerius, I should've elaborated before. I apologize. The disaster (Adrianople) in itself didn't cripple the Western Empire, it's just that it led to the Goths being permitted under their own terms to settle within the empire : virtual autonomy, no taxes to Rome, Goths fighting for Rome to be led by Gothic commanders, etc..<br>
<br>
The Eastern Empire managed to secure (transfer) the best remaining Roman troops for Constantinople which led to the West becoming more dependant on barbarian recruits.<br>
<br>
So there just weren't enough seasoned troops left to go around the entire empire after Adrianople.<br>
<br>
Pompeius Magnus, Rome negotiated from a position of weakness when they came to terms with the Goths. That was unprecedented for negotiations between Rome and barbarian immigrants applying for residency within the empire. The terms of their settlement placed Rome in a precarious position. So the Goths were a cancer just waiting to erupt. <p></p><i></i>
<br>
Valerius, I should've elaborated before. I apologize. The disaster (Adrianople) in itself didn't cripple the Western Empire, it's just that it led to the Goths being permitted under their own terms to settle within the empire : virtual autonomy, no taxes to Rome, Goths fighting for Rome to be led by Gothic commanders, etc..<br>
<br>
The Eastern Empire managed to secure (transfer) the best remaining Roman troops for Constantinople which led to the West becoming more dependant on barbarian recruits.<br>
<br>
So there just weren't enough seasoned troops left to go around the entire empire after Adrianople.<br>
<br>
Pompeius Magnus, Rome negotiated from a position of weakness when they came to terms with the Goths. That was unprecedented for negotiations between Rome and barbarian immigrants applying for residency within the empire. The terms of their settlement placed Rome in a precarious position. So the Goths were a cancer just waiting to erupt. <p></p><i></i>
Jaime
