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.

 

 

33,268 thoughts on “How Inflation Destroyed the Roman Empire”

  4. I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both equally
    educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the
    nail on the head. The issue is an issue that not enough people are speaking intelligently about.
    I’m very happy I came across this in my hunt for something
    concerning this.

    Reply ↓

  6. Hello! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us valuable information to work on. You have done a wonderful job!

    Reply ↓

  7. I’m really enjoying the theme/design of your site.

    Do you ever run into any browser compatibility problems?
    A few of my blog audience have complained about my site not operating
    correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome.
    Do you have any tips to help fix this problem?

    Reply ↓

  11. Superb blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?
    I’m hoping to start my own website soon but I’m
    a little lost on everything. Would you advise starting
    with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are
    so many choices out there that I’m totally confused ..
    Any suggestions? Thank you!

    Reply ↓

  13. Excellent post. Keep writing such kind of information on your blog.
    Im really impressed by it.
    Hello there, You’ve performed a great job. I will certainly digg
    it and in my view suggest to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this web site.

    Reply ↓

  15. Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and
    tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views.

    I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!

    Reply ↓

  17. I got this site from my friend who told me on the topic of this website and now this time I am visiting this website and reading very informative articles at this
    place.

    Reply ↓

  18. Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your
    favorite justification seemed to be on the internet the easiest thing
    to be aware of. I say to you, I definitely get annoyed while people
    consider worries that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail
    upon the top as well as defined out the whole
    thing without having side effect , people can take a signal.
    Will probably be back to get more. Thanks

    Reply ↓

  22. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as
    though you relied on the video to make your point. You obviously know what youre talking about,
    why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your site
    when you could be giving us something informative to read?

    Reply ↓

  29. Thank you for another informative website. Where else could I get that kind of information written in such an ideal way? I’ve a project that I’m just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such info.

    Reply ↓

  31. Undeniably believe that which you said. Your favourite justification appeared to be on the internet the simplest thing to take note of. I say to you, I definitely get irked at the same time as folks think about issues that they just don’t understand about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top and also outlined out the entire thing with no need side-effects , folks could take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thanks

    Reply ↓

  38. Hi! I’ve been reading your weblog for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and
    give you a shout out from Huffman Texas! Just wanted to tell you keep up the good work!

    Reply ↓

  39. Nice blog here! Also your web site loads up very fast! What host are you using?

    Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my site loaded up
    as fast as yours lol

    Reply ↓

  43. That is really interesting, You’re an overly professional blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look ahead to searching for extra of your great post. Additionally, I have shared your website in my social networks!

    Reply ↓

  46. I’m no longer positive the place you’re getting your info, however good topic. I needs to spend a while finding out more or understanding more. Thank you for great information I was searching for this information for my mission.

    Reply ↓

  48. We’re a gaggle of volunteers and opening a brand new scheme in our community. Your web site provided us with helpful information to paintings on. You have performed a formidable activity and our whole group can be thankful to you.

    Reply ↓

  49. Hi! This is kind of off topic but I need some guidance from an established blog.
    Is it hard to set up your own blog? I’m not very techincal but I can figure
    things out pretty fast. I’m thinking about creating my own but I’m not sure where to begin. Do you have any tips or suggestions?
    Thanks

    Reply ↓

Leave a Reply

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