---
title: Map of the Fall of the Western Roman Empire, c. 480 CE
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17289/map-of-the-fall-of-the-western-roman-empire-c-480/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2026-02-12
---

# Map of the Fall of the Western Roman Empire, c. 480 CE

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![Map of the Fall of the Western Roman Empire, c. 480 CE](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/17289.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/17289.png)

## Image Caption

The disintegration of the [Western Roman Empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/Western_Roman_Empire/) unfolded gradually during the Migration Period (c. 400–800 CE), as waves of migrating and invading peoples reshaped [Europe](https://www.worldhistory.org/europe/). After the [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) of Theodosius I (reign 379–395 CE), the last emperor to govern both East and West, the [empire](https://www.worldhistory.org/empire/) was formally divided, leaving the weaker Western half vulnerable. Over the following decades, military defeats, economic strain, and internal instability combined with external pressures from [Visigoths](https://www.worldhistory.org/visigoth/), [Vandals](https://www.worldhistory.org/Vandals/), [Huns](https://www.worldhistory.org/Huns/), and other groups, eroding imperial authority. The conventional “fall” is often dated to 476 CE, when [Romulus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Romulus_and_Remus/) Augustulus (reign 475–476) was deposed, or to 480 CE, with the assassination of [Julius](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Julius/) Nepos (reign 474–480), the last legitimate Western emperor.

Yet [Roman](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Roman/) power and traditions did not vanish overnight. Latin remained the language of administration, [Roman law](https://www.worldhistory.org/Roman_Law/) and [coinage](https://www.worldhistory.org/coinage/) persisted, and successor kingdoms drew heavily on Roman models of governance and military organization. [Italy](https://www.worldhistory.org/italy/), [Gaul](https://www.worldhistory.org/gaul/), Hispania, and North [Africa](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/africa/) came under the control of groups such as the [Ostrogoths](https://www.worldhistory.org/ostrogoth/), Visigoths, Vandals, and later the [Franks](https://www.worldhistory.org/Franks/), who both disrupted and assimilated Roman traditions. Rather than a sudden collapse, the Migration Period marked a protracted transformation, blending imperial legacies with emerging medieval political and cultural structures that would define Europe’s future.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Netchev, S. (2026, February 12). Map of the Fall of the Western Roman Empire, c. 480 CE. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17289/map-of-the-fall-of-the-western-roman-empire-c-480/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Fall of the Western Roman Empire, c. 480 CE." *World History Encyclopedia*, February 12, 2026. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17289/map-of-the-fall-of-the-western-roman-empire-c-480/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "Map of the Fall of the Western Roman Empire, c. 480 CE." *World History Encyclopedia*, 12 Feb 2026, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17289/map-of-the-fall-of-the-western-roman-empire-c-480/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 12 February 2026. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.