The fall of the Roman Empire was not due to a single cause but rather a complex combination of factors including military defeats, economic troubles, political instability, social decay, and external invasions. Increasing pressure from barbarian groups, internal corruption, economic decline, and administrative difficulties all contributed to the collapse. The empire faced relentless invasions from various tribes like the Goths and Vandals, military weakening due to reliance on mercenaries, a struggling economy burdened by high taxes and inflation, and internal power struggles and civil wars. Additionally, the vast size of the empire made it difficult to govern and defend effectively, especially after it was split into Eastern and Western halves. This gradual decline culminated in the Western Roman Empire losing its central control and eventually falling in 476 AD. These reasons have been studied and debated extensively by historians and form a multi-layered explanation for Rome's downfall.
