And btw most empires collapse not due to inflation or deflation (although this accelerates downfall) it's the lack of tangible reserves to be deployed.
If your only have one pot of gold, you only have one pot of gold to run the entire thing. If you can't grow that pot, your soliders aren't fed, your ships lack sails and seamen and the empire's campaign comes to a halt.
Stack this rapidly (inflation or deflation) and it's GG noRe