2. Rome (Late Antiquity)
As the Roman Empire waned, its capital became a city gripped by fear and turmoil. The infamous Sack of Rome in 410 CE by the Visigoths shattered the city’s legendary security, unleashing violence, looting, and widespread panic. Civic order crumbled as residents faced brutality and uncertainty at every turn. Rome’s decline was marked by repeated invasions and civil unrest, transforming the Eternal City into a symbol of vulnerability amidst the ruins of lost power.
