The Fall of the Western Roman Empire

By the mid-5th century, the Western Roman Empire was in a state of profound crisis,

with both material and human resources severely depleted, pushing the empire to the brink of

collapse. One critical factor was the transformation of the Roman military. Once a highly disciplined

and formidable force, it had become increasingly reliant on foreign recruits, primarily Germanic

mercenaries and federates. These troops were often less loyal to the Roman state,

undermining military discipline and cohesion. This reliance on barbarian soldiers reflected the broader

weakening of Roman institutions and contributed to the empire’s inability to repel invasions

and maintain its extensive borders. Political instability further hastened the decline.