Moral decadence did not contribute to the fall of the Roman Empire, but political instability that was most strongly reflected in a weakened army did, writes Hans Delbruck in volume 2 of History of the Art of War. The rise of sectionalism and the constant overthrowing of emperors left the empire without a secure superior authority demanding the loyalty of the legions and without the money to support them. Delbruck s celebrated work traces the collapse of the Roman military system and its replacement with barbarian mercenaries by the fourth century, following the invasions by the...
Moral decadence did not contribute to the fall of the Roman Empire, but political instability that was most strongly reflected in a weakened army did,...
