Fall of the Western Roman Empire

The Fall of the Western Roman Empire, occurring in the late 5th century, resulted from a combination of internal weaknesses and external pressures. Economic troubles, political instability, and military overreach weakened the empire from within. Meanwhile, invasions by barbarian tribes, such as the Visigoths and Vandals, exacerbated its decline. In 476 AD, the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed, marking the traditional end of the Western Empire. This collapse led to the fragmentation of territories and the rise of various kingdoms, paving the way for the Middle Ages in Europe.