The fall of Rome was caused by a combination of internal corruption, the division of the empire, and outside invasions. Internally, corruption weakened governance, led to civil wars, heavy taxation, and inflation. The empire was divided into Western and Eastern halves, weakening the West politically and militarily. Meanwhile, invasions by Germanic tribes, such as the Visigoths and Vandals, overwhelmed Rome's defenses. The sack of Rome by the Visigoths in 410 CE and the final conquest by Odoacer in 476 CE marked the end of the Western Roman Empire.
Internal Corruption
Political and military leaders became more concerned with personal power than effective governance, leading to instability and economic decline.
Division of the Empire
Emperor Diocletian divided the empire into East and West to manage its size, but this eventually caused a shift of power to the East and weakened the Western Empire.
Outside Invasions
Germanic tribes, fleeing other pressures and seeking new lands, invaded and sacked Rome multiple times, culminating in the final takeover by Odoacer, which ended Roman rule in the West.
Other Contributing Factors
Additional influences like economic troubles, overreliance on slavery, military overspending, and possible impacts of climate change and disease also played roles over time.
