How did the Western Roman Empire end?
Imperial rule in the western Roman world fragmented in the fifth century; 476 is a symbolic marker.
Historical context and developments
Military conflict, taxation and administration, local powers and population movements interacted. Eastern Roman rule continued from Constantinople. Western cities and institutions did not disappear overnight; change differed by region.
Consequences and interpreting sources
Historians study continuities as well as decline: law, religion, language and daily life changed within new kingdoms. One cause or exact final day oversimplifies the process.
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