The fall of the Roman Empire was a complex and multifaceted event that took place over several centuries. However, one of the key factors that contributed to its decline was the increasing pressure from barbarian invasions on the western frontier. As these groups began to penetrate deeper into Roman territory, the empire became more and more vulnerable to attacks and was eventually unable to defend itself.
As the power of Rome waned, its infrastructure began to deteriorate and its economy became increasingly unstable. The once-mighty empire was no longer able to maintain its massive military and administrative apparatus, and it eventually splintered into a number of smaller states. The legacy of the Roman Empire would continue to be felt for centuries to come, as its culture, laws, and language shaped the development of Western civilization. However, its fall marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new era of political, social, and economic turmoil in Europe.