The Fall of the Roman Empire

The Fall Of The Roman Empire

Maggy Mair

The roman empire was one of the largest empires in the world. It was 1.699 million square miles. From the founding of Rome in 753 BCE by Romulus and Remus to its collapse in 565 with the last emperor being Romulus Agustulus.

What Happened to the Empire?

There was no one reason for the collapse of the empire. Though historians have agreed on five reasons why the Roman Empire fell.

1. Invasions by barbarian tribes
2. Over-reliance on slave labor
3. Overpopulation
4. Military overspending
5. Political instability
6. Division from east to wast

The Barbarians

Rome was at war with the five barbarian tribes for many years. Emperor Romulus Augustulus was killed by the Germanic leader Odoacer in 476 CE

The overreliance on slave labor

The roman economy relied heavily on slave labor. From working in fields to on the battlefield.

Overpopulation

The decrease in farmers pushed the capacity of the Roman cities to their breaking points which led to widespread poor plumbing, increased disease, and even food shortage in the Roman cities.

Military OVer spending

At its height, the Roman Empire stretched from the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Euphrates River in the Middle East, but its grandeur may have also been its downfall. Sence soldiers had to be spread thin to defend the massive area and higher-ranking officers took advantage of this by demanding a higher pay.

Political Instability

Civil war thrust the empire into chaos, and more than 20 men took the throne in the span of only 75 years, usually after the murder of their predecessor. The political rot also extended to the Roman Senate, which failed to temper the excesses of the emperors due to its own widespread corruption.

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