4. how did an overdependence on mercenary soldiers lead to the gradual decline of

the western roman empire?

a. mercenaries were not given roman armor and weaponry.

b. mercenaries were more expensive than regular soldiers.

c. mercenaries were not trained in roman military tactics.

d. mercenaries had little loyalty to the roman empire.

D

Explanation:

Edward Gibbons paints a vivid picture of that preceding scenario. He affirms:  "Roman citizens and subjects had purchased their exemption to defend their country", leaving that duty to Barbarian mercenaries. Furthermore, foreign soldiers who conquered military victories and wealth were gloriously seen in Rome.

Little by little,  the famous "Legio" (legion) began its collapse with more and more Barbarian mercenaries as recruits. These "new" soldiers have little or no loyalty to Rome but their ambitions. Turning their backs and sacking Rome.

shang dynasty

western zhou (ca. 1046-771 bce)

eastern zhou (ca. 771-256 bce)

(202 bc - 220 ad) dynasty started by lui bang; a great and long-lasting rule, it discarded the harsh policies of the qin dynasty and adopted confucian principles; han rulers chose officials who passed the civil service exams rather than birth; it was a time of prosperity