Renowned historian and archeologist Bryan Ward Perkins has taken up to the task of looking into the actual reasons behind the fall of Roman Empire through publication of his book “The Fall of Rome and the End of Civilization”. Published in 2006 under the publishing ownership of Oxford Publishing press, the book has attracted considerable attention for numerous reasons.
The aim behind the entire effort is a multifaceted one- correction of the facts that have long been deviated from the actual facts, and secondly presenting the factors that led to the downfall and what impacts it had on the future outlook of the world. The narrative style of the book is relatively simple yet enriched with all the basic information and facts that are necessary to be imparted in order to give an insight into the actual standings of the Empire. Change of command from one domain of cultural rulers and natives to another brings along cultural and social stratification.
Thesis statement:
More than the visible factors, it was the transition from one era into another that led to the subsequent transfer of power from one Empire to Another in the form of Rome and its downfall.
More than merely that visible factor that led to the end of the golden era, the internal causes and the linkage between various events has been presented in form of this book. The book gives an account of more than one factor which caused the downfall.
More than the assumed invaders (Germans), it was a combination of numerous other factors that contributed to the transfer of power from hands of the Romans. Their life style, the decay in various other social spheres, the loss of strength on military front, the lack of authority, internal unrest, partial loss of command over the citizens, lack of variety, all these are few of the many reasons that lead to the fall of Rome. Commercial factor and the lack of trade and the loss of qualities which resulted in their glory once were all lost or were on a dim low towards diminishing. Heavy reliance on the military outfit and little concern towards the citizens welfare and the potential problems faced was another factor that resulted in the due transfer and loss of power.
The general concept that prevails regarding the invaders has been corrected to some extent and the German tribes who are often termed as the invaders have been rectified too. The actual reason for their migration has been presented.
The facts presented in the book are presented by research and credible resources that have been used and researched for in the entire process. The publishing came up as a result of years of work performed and then eventually published for the viewers reading. Perkins has also aimed at giving a cultural context of the overall transformation that takes place with the fall of one empire and the subsequent rise of another. A share of violence and turbulence that came along with the transfer of power has been explained with the potential causes to it as well.
Extensive research has been invested in the book and even the minute details of the civilization and for this purpose; comparative study seems to have been done in order to evaluate the exact nature of the causes that resulted in the end of the glorious era of the ruling. Relative comparison of the East has been done for those who may not have studied other empires in any detail. Part of the reading devotes to the reasons and various versions that have come to forth over period of time (Perkins 2006).
The book may not be the best that has been written about the once glorious Empire that existed in that era, yet it is sufficiently rich to provide an insight on various accounts. For the general public and those who are at relatively earlier stage of their interest and information about Roman Empire, will find sufficient juice in this book. Through the extensive reasons a message has been conveyed and aimed at clarification with regard to the importance of Roman Empire even in the present day. It was due to the innumerable features and qualities possessed by the incumbent Empire that still makes it a topic of discussion and study for historians, and other people associated.
Strengths and Weaknesses:
Potential downside of the book can be highlighted in form of the level of the book. It may not be the fit item for high level studies due to the relative lack of scholarly items and tone of the book. At times the very mention of very minute details becomes heavy on the readers in certain parts of the book. Strength can be derived in form of the narrative and deductive study in form of the analogy between present ruling styles and Roman Empire. Other forms of strengths include the facts based evaluation and deduction of events which has been found missing in many other books on similar topic.
Reference:
Perkins, B. W. The Fall of Rome:And the End of Civilization. (Great Clarendon Street: Oxford University Press ,2006).
