Richard J Smith

Flash Flood Richard J Smith

Over time, the Roman Empire grew ever larger, encompassing most of what is now Europe and large parts of the Middle East. Peoples from those countries were assimilated into the Empire as Roman citizens. Their resources further enriched and strengthened the Empire. A significant addition to the Roman army were Germans who proved to be more than capable as soldiers and officers. However, the Empire reached a peak and the resources that had been utilized and shared throughout, declined to the point that those outside of Italy, began to suffer from poor or insufficient distribution of supplies including grain and other staples. Once, proudly loyal to the Roman Empire, the Germans grew angry at the lack of promised and necessary provisions. Finally, their leader, General Alaric, gathered an army and marched confidently into Italy and then to Rome. Upon reaching Rome, they established a siege. In time, the gates opened, and the Germans entered. Under strict orders, no peoples or buildings were to be harmed, and it was strictly enforced. They took only what had been promised, whether, gold, jewels, food, seeds, armaments, or cloth. Then, they returned to Germany. The Empire would never be the same.