The Promise That Was Once Rome

The Roman Empire was truly great at its height. Ruling most of the known world, Rome stretched from the north Atlantic Ocean to the Indian Ocean. Due to the sense of superior government, fair laws and blessings of the Gods, Rome expanded its borders knowing all those that came under its rule would be better. With many neighbors they shared trade and commerce, enriching not only themselves, but those they were at peace with. Rome became the place to seek your fortune. It was the envy and hope of the world. 

Though they practiced slavery for some time, they also had a representative republic. Every Senator came from Quaestors which were elected in local provinces. Senators then sought favor for their home lands. Senators also controlled the finances, foreign affairs, assigned military commands and provinces, and debated and passed decrees for the Empire.

Through the military, which was the largest and best trained the world had ever seen, the enemies of the Empire were kept at bay. Many legionnaires were committed to troubled areas not only to keep order, but to prevent enemies from amassing within its borders. 

By the beginning of the 3rd century, the Roman Empire had become broken. Senators were considered hedonistic and greedy, with charges of corruption commonplace. Taxes were high to support the massive military and largess of the Senate. With the exception of Marcus Aurelius, the last few Emperors turned what was a beneficent relationship with far provinces into one of greed, with the army to extract more taxes. 

As the Emperor, Senate and the privileged demanded more monies to supply their lifestyles and bring more gifts home, the army was increased and sent to Africa and the Middle East to extract more taxes. Once friendly neighbors grew weary of the demand for greater profits from Rome. Skirmishes and small wars were frequent. Increasingly, more and more resources were committed to far provinces to maintain the money supply. The threat along the northern borders from nomadic tribes from the east was given little thought. There were no peoples in the north to extract goods or taxes from. They were barbarians, to whom money meant nothing. So, more legionnaires were sent where the money was. 

Rome had one-quarter of her military in the Middle East when Alaric and his barbarians sacked Rome in 410. Again in 455 and 472 Rome was invaded. In each instance, a large portion of the military was elsewhere, trying to control diverse cultures while draining Rome of desperately needed resources.

Rome eroded. 

No more would Rome conquer in the name of bringing light to the world. 

Now Rome was being invaded. All the better parts taken. Left with a shadow of her former self. 

Just for the sake of debate, imagine Rome and the US being analogous. Due to human traits and behaviors, assuming equal conditions for advancements in knowledge and technology, where is the US at equivalence with the Roman Empire in its life? With a greater understanding of Roman history than above, how do the two empires compare, if at all? Has the religious intolerance in the Middle East only been a factor for Rome and the US? If the Romans couldn't control the Middle East, is it correct to assume it is controllable today?

Forgive me. I forgot it was silly of me to ask. I am not a journalist. If it were worth asking, a journalist would have asked it. You know, the people who go to university for 4 years to study how to ask very good questions. They have gotten the important answers. 

I just hope Brittany and Paris can be friends again.