> It is estimated that Rome’s population fell from perhaps 500,000 in the mid-5th century to as little as 25,000 in the 560s. Other Italian cities suffered even

> It is estimated that Rome’s population fell from perhaps 500,000 in the mid-5th century to as little as 25,000 in the 560s. Other Italian cities suffered even worse fates. Milan, once Italy’s second largest city, was razed to the ground in 539 with its entire population either killed or enslaved. I was going to ask how the Eastern Roman Empire could still wage war with the greatly diminished support of what was likely a war-wary public. But I see that the decimation of the public took place over a few generations. It raises the hair on the back of neck, when I think of what world our children will inherit and accept as normal.