The fall of the Western Roman Empire was a multifaceted process, attributable to a number of causes. The empireās ability to maintain political and military integrity was challenged by ābarbarian invasions,ā particularly in the 5th century CE. Internal governmental issues also played a significant role, including corruption, abuse of power, undisciplined and poorly equipped soldiers, and the alienation of urban elites from public service. In 410 Rome was sacked by the Visigoths, and in 476 the German chieftain Odoacer deposed Romulus Augustulus, the last Roman emperor of the West. The East, richer and stronger, continued as the Byzantine Empire until 1453.
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