History

Matthias Zhang

Today, 07:54

The most straightforward theory for Western Rome's collapse pins the fall on a string of military losses. Rome had tangled with the Goths and other Germanic tribes for centuries. However, by the 300s the Goths had advanced beyond the empire's borders. In 410 the Visigoth King Alaric raided the city of Rome. In 455, the city of Rome was raided again, this time by the Vandals. Finally, in 476, the Germanic leader Odoacer staged a revolt and removed the Emperor Romulus Augustulus. From then on, no Roman emperor would ever again rule from Italy. For that reason, many cite 476 as the year the Western Empire suffered its deathblow.

What does this section of writing say is a main contributor to the fall of Rome? Use full sentences in your answer.