Reply #20: Yes, the Roman Empire ended [View All]

[Jack Rabbit]

The collapse of the Empire in the West (476) brought about a complete breakdown in law and order and the accompanying breakdown of commerce. These had been in decline throughout the fifth century as the Western Empire slid downward, but the final conquest of Rome by Odoacer the Scirian, who was later replaced by Theodoric the Ostrogoth, ended any chance of Rome making a comeback under the Caesars.

The Church took over the institutions of education in the former Western Empire, thus preserving some semblance of civilization, but was ill equipped to enforce laws. In time, political power shifted to local warlords, who claimed fancy titles like Earl, Duke and King. This was not the Roman Empire at all, but medieval Europe.

Charlemagne was the closest the West came to restoring the Empire, but after his death his Empire was divided among his sons. The central control promised by his reign collapsed.

The Eastern Empire lasted until 1453, when it was supplanted by the Ottoman Empire.