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Why Rome Fell
Decline and Fall, or Drift and Change?
Dr. Michael Arnheim
Barrister at Law
Sometime Fellow of St John’s College
Cambridge, UK
FIRST EDITION
This edition first published 2022
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: Arnheim, M. T. W. (Michael T. W.), author.
Title: Why Rome fell : decline and fall, or drift and change? / Michael Arnheim.
Description: Hoboken, NJ : John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2022. | Includes bibliographical references and index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2021038734 (print) | LCCN 2021038735 (ebook) | ISBN 9781119691372 (paperback) | ISBN 9781119691396 (pdf) | ISBN 9781119691389 (epub) | ISBN 9781119691341 (obook)
Subjects: LCSH: Rome--History. | Rome--Historiography. | Rome--Politics and government.
Classification: LCC DG209 .A76 2022 (print) | LCC DG209 (ebook) | DDC 945.6/32--dc23/eng/20211015
LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021038734 LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021038735
Cover image: Jugate busts of Constantine (laureate) and Sol Invictus (radiate) on seven-solidus gold coin minted in 313 CE (Public domain)
Cover design by Wiley
Set in 11.5/14pt STIXTwoText by Integra Software Services, Pondicherry, India
POSUI DEUM ADIUTOREM MEUM
To the Sacred Memory of My Beloved Parents
Dr Wilhelm Arnheim (1901–75)
A wise medical doctor and true polymath, with the driest sense of humor
and
Mrs. Vicky Arnheim (1905–90)
A brilliant musician, gifted teacher,dedicated social organizer,
Great cook, and loving mother
and
To the sacred memory of my beloved grandmother, “Oma”
Mrs. Martha Arnheim (1875–1965)
An eternally cheerful and optimistic, courageous spirit,
who taught me German, and whose wonderful humorous tales
Of the old Germany will remain with me always.
Contents
1 Cover
6 Preface
8 PART I: TRANSITION FROM THE ANCIENT TO THE MEDIEVAL WORLD AND BEYOND 1. Rome: From Monarchy to Monarchy 2. Diocletian: Hammer of the Aristocracy 3. Constantine the Reformer 4. The Christian Empire 5. Continuity and Change 6. Two Models of Government