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Considering that Rome started out as just one of many City States the empire that they created was magnificent in size and duration. At first they had the best brains, the best leaders, a superbly trained Army (but weak Navy) and a sense of purpose. Largely because of their politics there could have been in-fighting with various factions against others but wars and expansion of the empire prevented this from happening and further unified the people. The empire reached its greatest size in 116 AD. Inevitably it had weakened itself and it began its slow decline. It changed its outlook and where once citizens could hold whatever religion they wanted (even though the state had its Pontifex Maximus and the Army were followers of Sol Invicta) in 391 AD Emperor Theodosius prohibited all religions other than Christianity. Constantine was the first Emperor to convert to christianity (he also made himself Pope!) but he still maintained his faith in Sol Invicta. Like the Vikings, christianity seemed to weaken them. They eventually freed the slaves, the Army was filled with non-Romans of lesser ability, immigrants outnumbered Romans and there was a lack of leadership. Their time at the top was over. No empire lasts forever.
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Semper in excretum. Solum profunda variat.
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