The Roman Empire lasted longer than Alexander's because it established a structured system of governance and integration of conquered peoples, unlike Alexander's empire, which fragmented after his death.

The Roman Empire's succession problem was a significant failure of Augustus, who relied on heredity for leadership, leading to a series of incompetent rulers until a shift towards selecting qualified successors emerged.

The fall of the Roman Empire can be attributed to a combination of civil wars, migrations, and the inability to maintain military strength beyond its borders.

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

The Roman populace often did not encounter the government directly; their lives were primarily influenced by local elites who managed tax collection and community affairs.

The collapse of Roman civilization involved poor leadership and decisions, alongside material reasons for its decline.

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 decline of the Roman Republic was marked by internal political rivalries that escalated after the Punic Wars, leading to a breakdown of elite consensus and increased civil strife.

The late Roman Republic, from 133 to 31 BC, was marked by constant internal conflict and civil wars due to the unequal distribution of wealth and power.