Lack of technological progress in late Roman Empire

[Felix]

I agree that technology was not so much the limiting factor as development or application of new technology. Part of this disinterest may have been paradoxically due to the size and control of the empire. A large and relatively centralized state sometimes is able to surpress economic developments in favor of the well-known traditional methods. This might be done to protect social stability or the interests of the mighty. The fragmentation of medieval Europe may have spurred some technological developments, as each party sought an advantage over others. (The rise of artillery may be a case in point.)