Was the Roman Empire meant to last?

[naut]

The only thing that lasts is the marks something has left on society. For example look at Shakespeare, after 400 or so years we are still forced to read the works of that ***** at schools!

I'm sorry if am repeating what everyone else has said, but:

The Roman Empire like all Empires was strong when it was winning and had competition and neighbours to overcome. However, once it had crushed everyone it became complacent and arrogant. It did not recognise the dangers at hand, internal decay and barbarian greed for the riches of the Empire. It acted to late and thus failed in a time of crisis. And has faded into a fond memory and something to base computer games on.

As one man falls another rises to hold the weight of the world.