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People always say this but then ignore that almost all rapidly expanding empires collapsed almost immediately; especially in comparison to their longevity. Whilst there is some truth to it, it is not nearly as concrete or necessary as people posit. I personally find that the majority of Rome's issue was their loss of consolidation; they started expanding for prestige, fame, for sheer short-term gains, instead of major projects to develop land acquired, to raise the garrisons, defensive structures and otherwise. And then they tumbled into a major period of complete untenability, collapse, instability and otherwise. The Mongols collapsed for much the same reason, so did the Caliphates. Most empires collapse precisely because they overexpand, and are rapid in their acquisitions, I feel. When one does not make use of what one gains, they end up expending far more than they can maintain to gain little in actuality, but lots on paper.
