Rome became politically unstable over 50 years with 22 different emperors fighting for the throne. Corruption spread as government officials accepted bribes, fewer talented people served in government, and wealthy citizens refused to pay taxes. As a result, infrastructure like roads and bridges fell into disrepair, trade routes became unsafe due to invaders, and hunger spread as not enough farmers worked the land. Various tribes and groups like the Huns repeatedly invaded the empire, which had grown too large to defend effectively.