Insights from the The Shawn Ryan Show episode “#281 Jeremy Slate - The Fatal Decisions That Doomed the Entire Roman Empire”, published February 19, 2026.
In "#281 Jeremy Slate - The Fatal Decisions That Doomed the Entire Roman Empire", A cyclical historical model identifying three primary precursors to empire collapse: mishandling of currency (inflation/debasement), loss of border control (unchecked migration/invasion), and the rise of short-sighted politicians who…
In "#281 Jeremy Slate - The Fatal Decisions That Doomed the Entire Roman Empire", The shift from a citizen-soldier model (fighting for the nation/ideals) to a mercenary model (fighting for pay/leaders). In Rome, this led to legions being loyal to generals like Sulla or Caesar rather than the Senate, causing civil wars.
In "#281 Jeremy Slate - The Fatal Decisions That Doomed the Entire Roman Empire", Originally the emperor's bodyguards, the Praetorian Guard evolved into a shadow government that made and unmade emperors based on their own interests, operating as a permanent power structure behind the throne.
In "#281 Jeremy Slate - The Fatal Decisions That Doomed the Entire Roman Empire", The deliberate reduction in the value of money. Rome diluted the silver content of their coins (clipping/mixing metals) to fund wars and bribery, leading to hyperinflation (15,000%) by the late 3rd century.