Routledge - The Plight of Rome in the Fifth Century AD

Explore a fresh perspective on the decline of the Western Roman Empire with The Plight of Rome in the Fifth Century AD. Part of the Routledge Studies in Ancient History series, this book examines how economic shifts influenced the fate of one of history's greatest powers. Author Merrony argues that the empire's instability was tied to a significant drop in agricultural productivity, mineral resources, and war booty. The text traces these economic dependencies back to the Principate, suggesting that military spending reached an unsustainable level that the empire could no longer support. By combining literary evidence with archaeological data, this volume explains the connection between foreign campaigns and the ability to fund public building programs. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of how the loss of slaves and precious metals disrupted the economic equilibrium of the Roman world. This work is an essential resource for students and historians interested in the economic foundations of ancient civilizations.