Urban Decay

         Urban decay led to the fall of the Roman Empire. Wealthy Romans lived in very expensive houses. However, poor Romans, most Roman citizens, would have to pay rent and live in smelly, hot, small rooms in apartment houses. First floor of the apartment houses rented for about $400 so the poor would have to rent out the crowded, dangerous upper floor for $40 a year. The citizens that couldn't pay would be forced out on the crime infested streets. The cities began to decay because of this leading to the fall of Rome. 

-Danielle Reese