Also linked to the fall of the Roman Empire (lead-lined aqueducts leading to a lot of people making bad decisions).

Actually, the theory that lead pipes were a measure instigator of the fall of Rome is generally considered discredited by most historians. The Romans were even aware of lead poisoning (cf., Vitruvius who specifically mentioned lead pipes as "unwholesome").

Also, the empire in the east stood for 1000 years longer than the west. #ItsComplicated