Internal conflicts and civil wars from "summary" of History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon
The internal conflicts and civil wars which afflicted the Roman Empire were a result of various factors that weakened the once powerful state. The ambition of competing generals and the disloyalty of provincial governors led to a breakdown of central authority, allowing for rebellions to flourish. As the empire grew larger and more diverse, different factions within the ruling class vied for power, leading to a cycle of violence and instability. The lack of a clear line of succession also contributed to the chaos, with multiple claimants to the throne engaging in bloody conflicts to secure their position. In some cases, the military itself became a source of instability, with ambitious generals using their armies to challenge the authority of the emperor. This further weakened the central government and left the empire vulnerable to external threats. The economic strain caused by constant warfare and internal strife also played a role in the decline of the empire. The need to finance armies and placate rival factions drained the treasury and led to increased taxation, further alienating the populace.- The internal conflicts and civil wars that plagued the Roman Empire were a symptom of deeper underlying issues that eroded the foundations of the state. The inability to maintain stability and unity within the empire ultimately contributed to its downfall.
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