The Fall Of Rome In 476 C. E.

For some time, Rome ruled most of Europe. Rome became extremely powerful and conquered land like Spain, France and Switzerland. As they continued taking over, expanding outwards, many believed they would take over the entire world. Because Rome was located in “the middle of the Earth,” this belief became surreal. That was until the decline of Rome in 476 C.E. The fall of Rome was caused by economic struggles, military losses and religious reasons. As Rome continued to overthrow country after country, their economic peak was at a high. Rome’s wealth was in their land. The more land they claimed, the more gold flowed in. Rome became very reliant on all the gold, silver and bronze they were receiving. Unlike many other civilizations, Rome used these extremely valuable elements for money. This is where the economic struggle hit them. While Rome slowly stopped claiming land, gold, silver, bronze and many other alternative sources of pay were not received. Without these, coins weren’t able to be made with as much gold. This made coins less valuable. Inflation then hit Rome hard. Merchants raised their prices in hopes of staying

These wars were with the Barbarians. Rome referred to all outside forces as Barbarian troops. In the beginning, Rome won these battles, making the Barbarian troops, like the Goths and Vandals, become one with Rome. While Rome continued winning these battles, their army population went up to 600,000 men, 250,000 just on the northern border. Rome, now as strong as ever was ready for anything. That was until Alaric, a Visigoths leader, took part in Roman campaigns. When he didn’t receive the promotion in the Roman Army he decided to rebel against the empire. He demanded an independent state for the Visigoths. Finally, in AD 410, Alaric’s army was strong enough to enter Rome. Alaric even had Roman slaves join his army. He then decided to settle in Aquitania. This was one the empires first