From Rome to Reality TV: Moral Decay in Past Empires and Modern Western Nations

Rise and Fall of Empires: Chapter 8

The decline of great historical empires often follows a predictable pattern. As a nation's power and wealth diminish, a sense of pessimism slowly infiltrates its population, which in turn accelerates the process of decline.

In societies facing decline, there is a prevalent attitude of indulgence and hedonism, as people may feel a sense of hopelessness about the future. This attitude can further contribute to the decay of the society, as it steers people towards immediate gratification rather than long-term planning and investment.

It also leads to a breakdown in social norms and values, as people become more focused on their individual pleasure and satisfaction rather than the well-being of the community as a whole.

Rome's Descent into Decadence

One classic example of a society experiencing decline and adopting an attitude of self-indulgence and hedonism is the late Roman Empire. As the empire's power waned, the popularity of chariot racing, gladiator games, and other extravagant forms of entertainment surged.

These distractions contributed to the empire's weakened state, as resources that could have strengthened the military and infrastructure were diverted to fund lavish spectacles.

The late Roman Empire's descent into decadence is well-documented in historical records. The most notable evidence of this moral decay can be found in the sheer scale and extravagance of its entertainment industry.

Chariot racing in the Circus Maximus, for instance, captured the hearts of Roman citizens to such an extent that they fervently supported their favored racing factions, the Blues and the Greens, leading to intense rivalries and, at times, violent clashes.

The immense popularity of these races drained financial resources as the state provided subsidies for the racing teams, which could have been better allocated to address the empire's crumbling infrastructure or to maintain a robust military.

The gladiator games, where combatants fought to the death in arenas, became a symbol of the empire's moral decay. The Colosseum, a colossal amphitheater, was the epicenter of these brutal spectacles.

As the emperor sought to gain favour with the masses, he sponsored increasingly elaborate and costly games. The lives of countless slaves and prisoners of war were sacrificed for the amusement of the Roman populace, a stark testament to the empire's skewed priorities.

The colossal expenditures on such events and the vast amount of human and financial resources they consumed are stark reminders of the empire's moral decline, contributing to its eventual downfall.

The Ottoman Empire's Decline

Another illuminating example of moral decay during the decline of a great empire is the Ottoman Empire. In its later years, the Ottoman Empire faced significant challenges that contributed to its downfall.

As the empire expanded, its central administration grew increasingly corrupt. Government officials engaged in nepotism, bribery, and embezzlement. This rampant corruption eroded public trust and diverted resources away from essential state functions.

-Bribery in the Ottoman Empire

One prominent historical account of bribery in the Ottoman Empire involves the practice of "rüşvet," which referred to the giving and taking of bribes. During the empire's later years, bribery had become so prevalent that it affected nearly every aspect of life.

Historical documents from the time, such as court records and financial accounts, reveal numerous instances of individuals offering bribes to government officials to secure favorable outcomes.

For example, merchants often offered bribes to customs officials to reduce or evade import taxes, while individuals seeking advantageous legal decisions would present gifts or cash to judges.

-Sexual Laxity in the Ottoman Empire

During the decline of the Ottoman Empire, there was also a notable trend of increasing sexual laxity and a departure from traditional moral norms. This shift was reflected in various aspects of Ottoman society, from the ruling elite to the common populace.

One historical example that illustrates this trend is the case of Sultan Selim III, who ruled from 1789 to 1807. Selim III, known for his progressive reforms and Westernising efforts, was criticised for his perceived indifference to Islamic moral standards.

His choice of European-style clothing and fondness for Western customs were seen as a departure from the traditional values upheld by earlier Ottoman rulers.

Furthermore, the changing attitudes toward sexual norms were evident in the increased prevalence of harem politics, which marked the later years of the Ottoman Empire.

The harem, once considered a place of confinement for the sultan's concubines and wives, evolved into a complex political arena, where intrigues, affairs, and power struggles often took precedence over traditional moral values.

This shift in the nature of the harem mirrored broader changes in Ottoman society, where sexual laxity became increasingly evident and contributed to the empire's moral decay.

-Nepotism in the Ottoman Empire:

Nepotism, the practice of appointing family members to positions of authority, was a deeply ingrained aspect of the Ottoman political structure during its later years.

The practice of nepotism played a significant role in the assignment of government offices within the Ottoman Empire. Historical records reveal numerous instances of influential officials using their positions to promote their relatives, often at the expense of more qualified individuals.

This practice, which involved familial connections, was a well-documented aspect of the Ottoman bureaucracy during its later years.

An example of nepotism during the decline of the Ottoman Empire involves the appointment of Köse Mihal, whose real name was Konstantinos Mihalopoulos, to the position of the Grand Vizier by Sultan Mahmud II in the early 19th century.

Köse Mihal, a Christian convert to Islam, was not only promoted to one of the empire's highest administrative positions but also played a role in the removal of the Janissaries from the Ottoman military.

This appointment exemplifies the practice of nepotism during the Ottoman Empire's later years, where individuals, regardless of their background, could rise to influential positions based on personal connections rather than merit.

Köse Mihal's appointment was met with criticism and was seen as a sign of the decline in the Ottoman meritocratic system as personal connections and political considerations took precedence over competence..

Moral Shifts in Modern Western Empires