LIR: Reagen. On equality and the role of the Goths in the downfall of Rome
Posted by
con_carne
Oct 2 '14, 12:44
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("Amazing, I had the same title on my dissertation!")
Roman ideals absolutely became corrupt by the time of their downfall. But the way I understand it, equality in Rome was for civilized people, people who could read and write. That's basically why some people who were conquered by Rome got inclusion, and others got slavery or worse (Carthage was a special case, but even some of them got the inclusion treatment). In other words, barbarians. The Goths were barbarians and could never get inclusion.
However, I do think that because they were barbarians they were cheated and underestimated. The Romans did treat them especially badly. But, just because you are a barbarian doesn't mean you can't have charismatic leadership (Alaric) and kick someone's ass when your back is against the wall.
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