The End of the Western Roman Empire

Odoacer accepts the abdication of Romulus Augustus

When the “Fall of Rome” is discussed, it evokes an image of ruthless, pillaging barbarians sacking the Eternal City and completely destroying any traces of Roman government and civilization. But the reality is far less dramatic.

There is no clear end of the Roman Empire, just a convention that draws a line in the gradual loss of control of the imperial government over its domains. At some point, the…