4 ms·
I'm often struck how long the roman empire was able to continue operating even with terrible emperors at the helm for years or even decades. You almost get the
by jbattle 10y ago
I'm often struck how long the roman empire was able to continue operating even with terrible emperors at the helm for years or even decades. You almost get the sense that a Augustus or Trajan or Justinian was able to refill some deep well of energy / tradition / momentum in the bureaucracy that was then able to sustain itself through long decades of indifference or mismanagement. The time scales are mind-boggling compared to our typical 4/8 year perspective.
- manopeace 10y agoThings change more rapidly now a days.
- stcredzero 10y agoDon't forget "Sword in Hand" Aurelian. Roman History can be seen as a period of rise, then prolonged decline/decay, punctuated by resurgences helmed by great leaders. The Roman Empire worked because it was able to harness the self-interest of many parties and the population in general. It is a model of oppression through the exploitation of self interest and class distinction. (A system fluid enough for slaves to work their way up to becoming wealthy citizens.) Amazing how many parallels there are between the US and the Roman Empire.