Corruption did the roman republic in - as well as near constant warfare. It was just a matter of time before a general decided to bring matters under control.
—as well as constant warfare—..etc..
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Especially when the citizenry decides it is ‘below them’ to represent the pols in the warfare end of it...you end up with mercenaries, who, when the thrill of the outside fight is over, turn on the hand that feeds them and takes it for themselves...that is when the ‘lazy, pampered citizens’ are overrun, unable to stop it as the powers that be have either disarmed them or made ‘them’ apathetic to self preservation, through welfare, government schools, FREE THIS, FREE THAT etc