General Discussions
This is the place to discuss general issues related to the U-boat war or the war at sea in WWII.
RE: Brutality/Atrocity Theory/Reality - Tony!
Posted by:
John Griffiths
()
Date: March 13, 2001 08:19PM
<HTML>Tony,
Unfortunately for you it was not just the Goths who were responsible for the decline of the Roman Empire! Your history teacher wants to open things out a bit to give you the true picture.Ah how things have changed since I were but a lad!
The decline has been chronicled in Gibbons\'s excellent \'The Decline and Fall of The Roman Empire\'. An abridged version follows!
One: The reason for the decline is many fold, but pivotal to it are certain key factors.Some of these are due to the fact that the frontiers were too extensive to be defended, there was no manpower available - which meant this resulted in pressure by various - not just Gothic - barbarians who took advantage of Rome\'s inability to project its power on an Empire wide basis.
Two: The Regional Armies of Rome were inclined to take sides with those claiming the throne, resulting in many civil wars.
Three: Constantine, at this time, moved the centre of the Empire from Rome to Constantinople.
The Goths - more accurately, the Visi Goths - were Foederati of the Empire - this means they were Federates. They were \'friendly\' to the Imperial Government. They were also sworn enemies! After 476 approx, the Goths conquered Gaul and the Western provinces of the Empire. Rome, in effect, collapsed due to the many \'excursions\' mounted against it by various barbarian armies including the Visi Goths.
However, religion also played a huge part. Principally, Orthodox Catholicism and Asian Christianity. Both these had been responsible for subtly dividing the Romans for well over a century. For example, Roman troops worshipped Mithras, the soldier\'s God. This was stopped as the two main religions took a hold...thus diluting the discipline and ethos of the Roman soldiery by placing the elite with those of lower orders.
It was more than just the germans, Tony! The Gauls and Celts both contributed as well!
Phew! Hope this puts you on the trail of learning more!
Yours aye,
John</HTML>
Unfortunately for you it was not just the Goths who were responsible for the decline of the Roman Empire! Your history teacher wants to open things out a bit to give you the true picture.Ah how things have changed since I were but a lad!
The decline has been chronicled in Gibbons\'s excellent \'The Decline and Fall of The Roman Empire\'. An abridged version follows!
One: The reason for the decline is many fold, but pivotal to it are certain key factors.Some of these are due to the fact that the frontiers were too extensive to be defended, there was no manpower available - which meant this resulted in pressure by various - not just Gothic - barbarians who took advantage of Rome\'s inability to project its power on an Empire wide basis.
Two: The Regional Armies of Rome were inclined to take sides with those claiming the throne, resulting in many civil wars.
Three: Constantine, at this time, moved the centre of the Empire from Rome to Constantinople.
The Goths - more accurately, the Visi Goths - were Foederati of the Empire - this means they were Federates. They were \'friendly\' to the Imperial Government. They were also sworn enemies! After 476 approx, the Goths conquered Gaul and the Western provinces of the Empire. Rome, in effect, collapsed due to the many \'excursions\' mounted against it by various barbarian armies including the Visi Goths.
However, religion also played a huge part. Principally, Orthodox Catholicism and Asian Christianity. Both these had been responsible for subtly dividing the Romans for well over a century. For example, Roman troops worshipped Mithras, the soldier\'s God. This was stopped as the two main religions took a hold...thus diluting the discipline and ethos of the Roman soldiery by placing the elite with those of lower orders.
It was more than just the germans, Tony! The Gauls and Celts both contributed as well!
Phew! Hope this puts you on the trail of learning more!
Yours aye,
John</HTML>
