The Roman Empire's strength lay in its openness to incorporating foreigners, making them want to be part of the empire and work for it.

The Roman Empire's strength lay in its ability to incorporate diverse peoples, which was lost as it resisted integrating the Goths.

The Romans would often take the sons of conquered tribal leaders, raise them as Romans, and incorporate them into their society, turning enemies into allies. As early as the second century AD, Roman emperors and senators began to come from provinces like Spain and North Africa, rather than just Italy.

Rome always wins because, even if they lose battles, they can raise new armies from their Italian allies and half citizens.

The Roman military was a massive force of half a million people, integrating foreigners and turning them into Romans over time.

Roman citizenship came with privileges and obligations, emphasizing the importance of citizenship in Roman society, although it was limited to a small percentage of the population.

Half-citizens and loyal allies of Rome felt entitled to full citizenship after their sacrifices, but traditional Roman conservatism denied them this recognition.

The Roman Republic's success led to widespread unhappiness among various groups in society, creating a boiling pot of resentment despite its wealth and expansion.

Auxiliaries, who were often newly conquered war-like peoples, served alongside Roman legions for 25 years and earned Roman citizenship upon discharge, leading to their children becoming Roman legionaries.