Final answer:
The collapse of the western Roman Empire was caused by barbarian invasions and political instability.
Step-by-step explanation:
There were several factors that contributed to the collapse of the western Roman Empire. Two major causes were:
- Barbarian Invasions: The Roman Empire faced invasions from various Germanic tribes, such as the Visigoths, Vandals, and Ostrogoths. These invasions weakened the empire and led to the sacking of Rome in 410 CE.
- Political Instability: The empire faced multiple political crises, including unstable leadership, corruption, and succession problems. The division of the empire into the Western and Eastern halves also contributed to its decline.
Learn more about Causes of the collapse of the western Roman Empire