| If you do a Google search on "collapse of the Roman | | | | It wasn't long before Catholicism, with its leader, the |
| Empire," you will find nearly a million web sites | | | | Pope, the Vicar of Christ on earth, whose seat of |
| discussing this often-debated point. What is debated is | | | | power remained in Rome, spread its influence all |
| usually the exactly time, or the specific reason. Many | | | | across Europe. |
| will argue that the Roman Empire collapses for the | | | | Before, if a territory of Rome was in need of discipline, |
| same reasons other empires collapse. They become | | | | the Roman government would need to send troops to |
| too large, the territories too vast to control. Those | | | | quell the disturbance. This took time, money, and |
| under their rule become restless and begin to demand | | | | resources. |
| more. The politicians become complacent and lose | | | | Under the new model, and with the Pope, the new |
| their drive to push their society outward. Something | | | | leader of the Roman Catholic Church to |
| that has happened time and time again throughout | | | | excommunicate entire countries, this was not required. |
| history, and will likely to continue. | | | | Now whole countries were in fear of disapproval from |
| One thing that is discussed much less frequently is | | | | the Holy See. The Origins of the Church of England, or |
| whether or not the Rome actually collapsed. There are | | | | better known as the Episcopal Church, with millions of |
| some scholars who argue that only the military aspect | | | | members worldwide, stem from the Excommunication |
| of the Roman Empire collapsed. Some say that the | | | | of King Henry VIII by Pope Paul III in 1538. Never before |
| Roman Empire merely transformed from an empire of | | | | had the Roman Empire had such sweeping power. |
| military, economic, and political power to one of religious | | | | To this very day, all Catholic churches in the world |
| power. | | | | remain obedient to the Pope, the Vicar of Christ on |
| When Emperor Constantine accepted Christianity as | | | | Earth. When Constantine saw the cross of the |
| the official religion of the time, their politics changed | | | | crucifixion in the sun after the battle of Milvian Bridge in |
| direction. From conquering other countries with their | | | | 312, converting to Christianity and thereby transforming |
| military might, the Romans began to spread through | | | | the Roman Empire into the Roman Catholic Church, he |
| religious ideas and beliefs. | | | | forever changed the course of western society. |