While military defeats, political upheavals, and external invasions often dominate historical accounts of the fall of great powers, excessive debt—the "Empire Killer"—has quietly but relentlessly eroded the foundations of empires across the centuries.

From Rome to the Soviet Union, the over-extension of resources, poor financial management, and the inability to service massive debts have led to economic collapse, social unrest, and, ultimately, the demise of these once-mighty empires.

Understanding how debt has played a role in the fall of these empires gives us insight into the role it could play in the collapse of the US Empire.

Here is a summary of some prominent historical examples of this clear pattern.

The Roman Empire

One of the most iconic examples of debt's destructive force is the Roman Empire.

At its height, Rome was the center of the known world, controlling vast territories, including much of Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East.