[semantic]

The skills & knowledge of stonemasonry and concrete necessary to build Roman infrastructure existed for many millenia prior to the republic/empire. What was lacking was a military force in possession of weapons (steel metallurgy - wheels, arms, shields, etc) that allowed complete domination and control. Once the empire's boundaries were securely in place, then the virtuous cycle of recycling taxation and tribute back into public works began the 1000 year long reign.

However, as we are seeing with pax Americana, as other regions catch up in weapons technology, our ability to project and secure practically every region on earth is eroding. The dollar system is entirely dependent on this leverage, which is why it is imperative we maintain control over MENA petro regions.

In Roman times, once the regional provinces were able to develop and deploy comparable arms, the manned forces - which were always capable, especially the Germans, just outmatched - were able to begin securing victories. (Which of course resulted in the Germans eventually defeating Rome and occupying the core regions (Catalonia/Milan) where they are still dominant today in the core economic centers of those countries.

In fact, after the fall of the empire, weapons technology was so evenly spread that it allowed for the growth and spread of city-states during the medieval era. It wasn't until central states once again became technologically dominant (again through metallurgy ie canon) that nations and empires were again able to be constructed. Constantinople fell because the Turks were able to deploy the largest canon built to date - they simply pulverized the walls until they were breached. It also helped that anyone with a clue had long departed back to the West.

[ckilmer]

(Which of course resulted in the Germans eventually defeating Rome and occupying the core regions (Catalonia/Milan) where they are still dominant today in the core economic centers of those countries.
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I have seen modern research that shows that coastal cities along the northern Mediterranean coast of france italy and greece were all burned down about 650-700 AD. That they were not rebuilt for another 100 years and then only in heavily fortified garrisons further inland —suggesting that the cities were burned down by raiders from the sea.

Since this period coincides with the moslem seizure of north africa and spain —its thought the raiders were likely moslem; that the destruction of the roman world came at the hands of the moslems and not the Gauls who wanted rather to imitate the romans they conquered. That the dark ages were caused by the Moslems and not the Gauls.

Have you read the archaeology books on this?

If so what’s your take.