Fall of the Western Roman Empire
The first division of the Roman Empire took place in 285 AD when Maximian became the ruler of the western part of the empire under the Tetrarchy system. After this division, different emperors attempted to reunite the empire, but the efforts were marginally successful. Theodosius I was the last Roman Emperor to rule (392 to 395 AD) the whole Roman Empire. In 395 AD, the Roman Empire divided permanently, and Honorius became the sole ruler of the Western Roman Empire. In 476 AD, the Western Roman Empire collapsed after the Fall of Ravenna at the hands of Germanic leader Odoacer, who became the first King of Italy. Events Leading to the Fall of the Western Roman Empire The Goths fought their first battle against the Eastern Roman Empire in 376 after crossing the Danube. These Germanic warriors remained successful in the Battle of Marcianople (376). The battle of Adrianople is known as the first major event for the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The ...