[gothic-l] Fall Of The West Roman Empire

[Bertil Haggman]

Tim,

One example of the weakness of the empire was the
custom of children emperors, who only exercised
nominal power. Honorius lived for instance a secluded
life of intense inactivity, if that is possible. It is said that
he could only recognise the name of Roma as that of his
pet chicken.

Later the Byzantines had at times control of who was to
be emperor. So only nominal emperors were
presented who lived in pampered seclusion and were
only cover for intriguing ministers. Many of the real
masters of power were of non-Roman origin. Stilicho
was executed 408 AD. His death was followed by three
Gothic sieges of Rome (where was that strong Roman cavalry
to prevent these sieges?).

Later the Goths set up a government of its own in Gaul
414 AD with at puppet Roman emperor. In Brittany and
the adjacent areas other peoples reigned (where were
the legions and that cavalry?). Where was the Roman
cavalry to oppose the Huns? Ricimer controlled the emperor
Libius Severus. But how strong was the cavalry?

The Roman cavalry from Adrianople to 476 AD is the main point,
I think, in the question of the strength of the Roman army.

So how about the

390s
400s
410s
420s
430s
440s
450s
460s
470s

Any good sources there? Most likely Quigley has a point.

Gothically

Bertil Haggman


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