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When did the citizens of the Roman Empire realise that it was crumbling?
In Gladiator, Quintus makes the remark that a people should know when they are conquered. Maximus responds, asking “Would you, Quintus? Would I?”
Historically, did the citizens and/or the holders of political office realise that the Empire was doomed? Did they see the signs, or were they in denial until it was too late?
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