Explore why the fall of the Roman Empire remains one of history's most debated events. This webinar examines competing explanations for Rome's decline and how its legacy has been used to support modern political arguments, revealing the dangers of simplistic narratives about collapse, corruption and social change.
The Roman Empire was a hugely powerful state in the ancient world. Yet, for various reasons, it collapsed, although historians disagree about when precisely this was, and why it happened. Since the end of the Roman Empire, thinkers of diverse political opinions have used the fall of Rome for different political purposes. Does Rome warn us about the pitfalls of superstition, the perceived dangers of immigration, the decay caused by corruption, or the problems of an overextended empire? In this webinar, we will explore some of the reasons that early modern and modern thinkers have given for the fall of Rome, concluding that speaking of decline and fall is politically dangerous and encourages harmful and discriminatory thinking.
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Our Super-Curricular Webinar Series explores a range of fascinating topics, giving you the chance to hear from University academics. Discover new perspectives, explore current issues, and gain insight into how these topics are studied and applied in higher education and beyond.
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