The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

The decline and fall of the Roman Empire was a gradual process caused by a combination of internal weaknesses and external pressures. Internal issues included political instability, economic troubles, and military decline. External threats came from invasions by barbarian groups like the Visigoths and Vandals. Over centuries, these problems weakened the empire's ability to govern and defend its vast territories. By 476 AD, the Western Roman Empire formally collapsed, marking the end of classical Roman civilization. This decline was complex and multifaceted, reflecting a combination of societal, economic, and military challenges that accumulated over time.