Corruption and the Decline of Rome Author:Ramsay MacMullen Prominent historian Ramsay MacMullen here offers a new perspective on the decline and fall of Rome. .It offers the first survey of just what evidence exists for the 'decline, ' and provides a fascinating, fresh line of explanation for the empire's most obvious inadequacies in the face of its economic and military challenges. MacMulle... more »n argues that a key factor in Rome’s fall was the steady loss of focus and control over government as its aims were thwarted for private gain by high-ranking bureaucrats and military leaders. Written in an informal and lively style, his bookâthe culmination of years of research and thoughtful analysisâshows convincingly that the decline of Rome was a gradual, insidious process rather than a climactic event.« less