The author of the above passage claims: “Prosperity ripened the principle of decay; the causes of destruction multiplied with the extent of conquest.” What does he mean by this?

(A) The rulers became too rich and thus were overthrown. (B) The empire became too large to control effectively. (C) Decay begins the minute something begins to grow. (D) Conquest and prosperity are mutually exclusive.Explanation: The Roman empire became too large, and the causes of destruction, including a loss of military discipline and control, led to loss of territory and, eventually, the fall of central power. Rulers became rich, which led to power rather than to their overthrow (A). Decay in Rome was not inherent (C). Conquest and prosperity are more frequently compatible than mutually exclusive (D).