The Western Roman Empire refers to the western half of the Roman Empire following the division of the empire by Diocletian in 285 AD into a Tetrarchy system. This division aimed to make the vast empire more manageable by splitting it into the Western and Eastern Roman Empires, with the Western part eventually becoming known for its decline and fall.
History
- Division: The formal split came under Emperor Constantine with the establishment of Constantinople as the new capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. This act inadvertently sowed the seeds for the eventual divergence of the empire's fate.
- Decline: The Western Roman Empire faced numerous challenges including:
- Fall:
Context
The decline of the Western Roman Empire is attributed to a combination of factors:
- Economic Issues: A decline in tax revenue, inflation, and the economic strain from maintaining a large military presence.
- Military Challenges: The Roman legions were increasingly composed of mercenaries, and there was a significant loss of military discipline and loyalty.
- Political Instability: Frequent changes in leadership and civil wars weakened the central authority.
- Barbarian Pressure: Continuous pressure from barbarian invasions both as enemies and as settlers within Roman territories.
- Cultural and Social Shifts: The spread of Christianity and changes in cultural identity also played a role.
Sources
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