02-27-2013, 03:08 AM
Virilis, about Zubkov's books, I am not sure. I'll try to check on that when I have the opportunity. I also really enjoy his art work.
Frank, I have not heard "shock therapy" used in this context, but can easily see how many of the events (that I know of) during the decline could be seen as exogenous shocks. I have yet to read Goldsworthy's take on the fall of Rome, although my father has (along with the Williams/Friell book, I believe). I truly believe that you would have a hard time comparing Rome circa 117 AD and Rome circa 5th century and then arguing that the Roman empire never fell. But once again, these are the kinds of arguments that will draw me into the debate, so good for them!
Eduard, I would agree that Late Rome seems foreign in a sense, but I just have a difficult time shaking the Medival feeling so much of the history of the period gives me. Honestly, I do not know enough of the Late Roman period and Medival era to make such a statement, but I have often wondered just when the one ends and the other begins.
Frank, I have not heard "shock therapy" used in this context, but can easily see how many of the events (that I know of) during the decline could be seen as exogenous shocks. I have yet to read Goldsworthy's take on the fall of Rome, although my father has (along with the Williams/Friell book, I believe). I truly believe that you would have a hard time comparing Rome circa 117 AD and Rome circa 5th century and then arguing that the Roman empire never fell. But once again, these are the kinds of arguments that will draw me into the debate, so good for them!
Eduard, I would agree that Late Rome seems foreign in a sense, but I just have a difficult time shaking the Medival feeling so much of the history of the period gives me. Honestly, I do not know enough of the Late Roman period and Medival era to make such a statement, but I have often wondered just when the one ends and the other begins.
Alexander
