How Inflation Destroyed the Roman Empire

Posted on by

There were many reasons the Roman Empire fell but, inflation and government spending were huge parts.  Government stimulus programs and public works became common then as they are today.  People today underestimate the complexity of the Roman Empire but, their bureaucracy was almost as large as ours today.  Aqueducts were often created to give people employment just like “The Community Reinvestment Act” seeks to do today.  I find this interesting on many different levels.  For one, Rome’s policies were very similar to ours today.  They even had similar names like jobs bill and community reinvestment act.    There is a book written in the 1940s called the “New Deal in Old Rome” that compares Roman governance in the later Empire to New Deal programs.  The parallels are almost bizarre.

Then, just like today, government bureaucracy and spending were only part of the problem, the much bigger problem was inflation.  Inflation was rampant and brought the Empire to its knees.  The rates of inflation increased over time at a similar rate to that at which the United States is currently.

 

What is really staggering is that the Roman Empire’s fiscal transgressions are nothing compared to the modern United States’.  Rome had to dilute its coins by recalling them every few years and watering them down with other metals, while the U.S. can simply print bills of credit to infinity with no checks in place at all.  Nero would be envious indeed of the American State’s monetary power.  Rome also centralized everything into its capital city and attempted to regulate its provinces from afar but, again this is nothing compared to the centralization that Washington DC has been able to accomplish.  For all the corruption that infected the Roman government, it is tame compared to the corruption of the American Political Class. Here is a brief presentation on Roman Inflation.

This one is a bit longer.

 

 

23,240 thoughts on “How Inflation Destroyed the Roman Empire”

  16. I like the helpful information you provide for your articles.
    I will bookmark your weblog and check once more right here regularly.
    I am quite sure I will learn lots of new stuff proper right here!

    Good luck for the following!

    Reply ↓

  20. Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up. The text in your post seem to be running off
    the screen in Firefox. I’m not sure if this is a format issue or something
    to do with web browser compatibility but I thought
    I’d post to let you know. The design and style look great
    though! Hope you get the problem fixed soon. Cheers

    Reply ↓

  21. เล่นสุดยอดประสบการณ์คาสิโนกับ
    Sexy Baccarat Thai สนุกกับบาคาร่าสด รูเล็ต ซิกโบ และสล็อตต่าง
    ๆ กับดีลเลอร์ที่เป็นมิตร รับประกันประสบการณ์การเล่นเกมที่มีคุณภาพและการจ่ายเงินที่รวดเร็ว!

    เริ่มต้นด้วยโบนัสต้อนรับแบบไม่ต้องฝากเงินและ

    Look at my web-site … เซ็กซี่บาคาร่า คือ

    Reply ↓

  22. Link exchange is nothing else but it is only placing
    the other person’s website link on your page at proper place
    and other person will also do same in support of
    you.

    Reply ↓

  26. Tonic Greens: An Overview Introducing Tonic Greens, an innovative immune support supplement meticulously crafted with potent antioxidants, essential minerals, and vital vitamins.

    Reply ↓

  36. Cordially fellow commentator ,

    I uncovered the insights shared in this blog post
    to be highly enlightening . The writer’s command of
    the material is genuinely commendable.

    If you are aspiring to a exhilarating and rewarding cyber gaming
    excursion , I would sincerely appeal to you to uncover the
    possibilities of VIVARO CASINO.

    With its abundant assortment of captivating games , bountiful bonuses , and seamless platform , VIVARO CASINO presents an unprecedented leisure experience
    that appeals to both inexperienced and masterful
    participants correspondingly .

    I appeal to you to experience VIVARO CASINO and find
    the adrenaline that lies in store you. I am certain you will deem the
    escapade to be incredibly fulfilling .

    Heartfelt wishes

    Review my webpage … online casino search engine optimization

    Reply ↓

  38. I’ve been exploring for a little for any high quality articles or weblog posts
    on this kind of house . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this site.
    Reading this info So i’m happy to express that I have an incredibly just right uncanny feeling I came
    upon exactly what I needed. I most certainly will make certain to do not disregard this
    site and provides it a look on a constant basis.

    Reply ↓

  40. I love your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you design this
    website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you?
    Plz respond as I’m looking to construct my own blog and would like to find out where
    u got this from. cheers

    Reply ↓

  43. Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wished
    to mention that I’ve truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts.
    After all I will be subscribing in your feed and I
    hope you write again soon!

    Reply ↓

  45. Great post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I am impressed!
    Extremely helpful info particularly the
    closing section :) I maintain such info much.
    I used to be seeking this particular information for a long time.

    Thank you and good luck.

    Reply ↓

  47. Hello! I know this is kind of off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could get a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having trouble finding one? Thanks a lot!

    Reply ↓

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *