Fall of the Western Roman Empire

Week 9: The Fall of Rome and the Transformation of Christianity Losing Their Grip 5th century (400) C.E.: Rome lost their grip on Europe after nearly half a millennium of rule Decline left untold devastation, political chaos One of the most fascinating and problematic issues in history: why did Rome fall? Barbarian forces overran western Roman empire, spelling the end of an era Roman government in the east (Byzantine Empire) survived for another 1000 years Rome?s absence in west brought tremendous changes Increasing pressures from those outside the empire (barbarians) compelled the Romans to let more foreigners inside their state Referred to Germans because most of these people spoke language based on common Germanic Represented a wide array of nations and cultures