The Decline of Rome: Emperors, Christianity, and Cultural Evolution

This chapter explores the transition from significant Roman emperors to the era of 'good emperors,' along with the influence of Christianity on civic virtue and military loyalty in the empire. It discusses the contrasting fates of the Western and Eastern Roman Empires, examining the factors that led to their differing survivals, including the role of language and culture in technological advancements. Additionally, it reflects on the impact of the Renaissance and Enlightenment on the revival of classical knowledge, critiquing contemporary views on Western civilization and the decline of British cultural heritage.