Fall of Western Rome Events

Events leading to the Fall of Western Rome

Period: 300 to 476

Constantine Becomes Emperor

306

Important for when he moves the capitol of the Empire to Constantinople, thus moving the center of power out of the west and out of Rome.

Germanic Tribes Cross the Rhine

406

Germans crossing the Rhine signifies the movement of non-Roman people settling within the boundaries of Rome.

First Sack of Rome

410

This sack of Rome under the gothic leader Alaric, represents the failure of Rome to protect itself and shows the weakening of the military and social structure.

Second Sack of Rome

455

This sack of Rome by the Vandals shows the continued lack of strength from Rome and its military to protect itself. Another reason that the leadership does not rule from Rome.

Romulus Augustus Made Emperor in the West

475

This coming to power represents further separation of East and WEst as Zeno, the Emperor in the East did not support Romulus or his claim to leadership.

Romulus Deposed by Odoacer

476

This deposing of Romulus by the German Odoacer marks the last Roman leader in the West. Rule from this point forward will be by Germans and other non-Roman people. Separation from East and West concludes as they are no longer a joint empire.

Death of Theodosius I

Mar 2, 2022

This is the last Emperor in which the Empire was united under one ruler. After this the Empire is divided under East and West leadership.