While I concur with the concept that massive cultural change came with the institutionalization of Christianity in the Roman Empire, I have to say that the lack of national identity and more importantly, the elimination of Roman Legions (filled with Romans) was a stronger influence on Rome's decline. Much more so.There is a school of thought, which originates with Gibbon, that Christianity was actually the most important reason (among many) the Empire fell.
If you don't have national identity, sovereignty and the means of defending that from influences outside your borders (or subversive elements within your borders), you can't remain a viable entity for long.







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