The Fall of the Western Roman Empire, c. 480 CE

Illustration

Simeon Netchev
by
published on 18 April 2023
The Fall of the Western Roman Empire, c. 480 CE Download Full Size Image

A map illustrating the gradual process of disintegration known as the Fall of the Western Roman Empire. During the Migration Period (a period of accelerated movement of peoples across Europe between the 5th and 9th centuries, also known as the Barbarian Invasions), the territories of the Western Roman Empire in Europe, including Italy, and north-western Africa, fell to various indigenous or invading peoples. In 395 CE, after the death of Theodosius the Great (the last emperor who ruled over a unified realm), the Roman Empire was officially divided. Although it is assumed as a historical convention (and a poetic symmetry) that the Western Roman Empire ended in September 476 CE with the abdication of Romulus Augustus (or in 480 with the murder of, not so romantically named, Julius Nepos) for close to 20 more years, the structures of Roman governance continued to function, Latin remained the administrative language, Roman armies, and Roman law were still standing and newly minted coins featured Roman emperors.

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About the Author

Simeon Netchev
Simeon is a freelance visual designer with a deep interest in the human side of history. He believes that every image should be an interaction, a commentary, and a narrative, and every map should lead on an exciting journey of exploration and discovery.

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APA Style

Netchev, S. (2023, April 18). The Fall of the Western Roman Empire, c. 480 CE. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17289/the-fall-of-the-western-roman-empire-c-480-ce/

Chicago Style

Netchev, Simeon. "The Fall of the Western Roman Empire, c. 480 CE." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified April 18, 2023. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17289/the-fall-of-the-western-roman-empire-c-480-ce/.

MLA Style

Netchev, Simeon. "The Fall of the Western Roman Empire, c. 480 CE." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 18 Apr 2023. Web. 18 Apr 2024.

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