The Fall Of Rome
(BRYAN WARD-PERKINS)
In recent decades, some historians have challenged the conventional view
that there was a decline and fall of Rome.
These historians write instead of a period of late antiquity characterized by
transition and transformation. Other scholars question whether it was barbarian
invasions so much as a change in Roman military policy that led to Rome''s changed status. In
The Fall of Rome: And the End of Civilization, Oxford
historian Bryan Ward-Perkins not only vigorously defends the conventional view,
but explains the complex realities of the Roman empire
and its neighbors in fascinating detail.
Ward-Perkins, who is particularly concerned with the impact of economic
change throughout the empire, convincingly demonstrates that after the fall of Rome, there was a
startling decline in western standards of living during the fifth to seventh
centuries. Everyone, kings to peasants, was affected. The decline in the
quality of pottery, the absence of tiled roofs and good tableware and the
almost total lack of coinage in daily use in the post-Roman West are all part
of the same phenomenon.
Ward-Perkins says evidence strongly indicates that political and military
difficulties destroyed regional economies. As the Roman state began to
fragment, the intricately structured economy suffered.
Although life was difficult for many, popular revolts against imperial rule
did not bring down the empire. Ward-Perkins says that is not surprising because
Roman rule, and above all, Roman peace, brought levels of comfort and
sophistication to the West that had not been seen before and that were not to
be seen again for many centuries.
He points out that the Germanic aggressors did not mean to lose the
sophisticated economy; they wanted a share of it. However, their invasions led
to the dismemberment of the empire and the destruction of the potent, yet
fragile economic structure. The author makes a compelling case for his point of
view and thus helps readers restudy and rethink a major period in world
history.
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