3. / '...who thought it would reflect shame on themselves, if a state which had forfeited its own liberty, should also retain its dominion over others.'
Once the Pax Romana collapsed in about 115AD, decline accelerated rapidly from within.
A series of insane and/or corrupt Emperors - most having very short reigns - presided over an orgy of partisan murder, grift and crime.
It didn't take long for the Empire to crumble altogether.
This is what America is up against.
PRAY.
The end.