Causes and Consequences behind the fall of the Roman Empire

Founded by two brothers Romulus and Remus, in around 753 BCE, the Roman Empire was one of the prosperous and influential empires of the ancient Europe. Despite upholding a glorious past and leading towards a flourishing future the destruction couldn’t been prevented due to some internal and external factors. Here we are discussing the cause behind the fall of this magnificent empire and what consequences does it leads to.

Causes for the fall of Roman Empire 

Unstable political condition: As the era of long series of weak and ineffective rulers continues the once most powerful empire in the world lost its territories and prominence.

Military defeats and leading to external pressures: Continued attack from barbaric invaders, particularly in the Visigoths, Vandals, and Huns weakened its borders and strained its military resources. Moreover, internal corruption and lack of discipline in soldiers contribute more to the deterioration of the condition.

Economic obstacles: Increasing costs in maintaining military, infrastructure, and bureaucracy. Implementing high taxes and rampant inflation with the declining agricultural production created immense economic instability in the empire.

Social degradation: Religious conflict caused by the proclamation of Christianity as prime religion, moral decline, the absence of traditional Roman values broke the solidarity between people and led to social hostilities.

Aftermath of the fall 

Fragmented political condition: The void created after the fall of the Roman Empire led to the emergence of numerous small territories which provided the groundwork for the complex network of nation-states characterizing modern Europe.

Cultural transmission: with the emergence of new territories come the new cultures and languages, such as the romance languages (French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian).

Technological devastation: Decentralized power and infrastructure made the large-scale engineering and architectural projects demolished which were the hallmark Roman civilization.

Rise of feudalism: The feudal system characterized by hierarchical relationships where land was granted by a lord to a vassal in exchange for loyalty and military service dominated Europe throughout the Middle Ages.

Influence of The Byzantine Empire: The Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire began to thrive after the destruction of the western Roman Empire. The new empire also served as a bridge between Europe and the Islamic world.

Christianity as the paramount religion: Christian Church became a new pillar of power throughout Europe creating a dominance of Christianity over other religions.

Economical change: After the fall the economic system witnessed a drastic change as focus was more driven on subsistence agriculture and craftsmanship. The currency-based economy also shifted a barter system further making decline in trade and commerce.