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Fall of the Western Empire
"Migration" or "Invasion"?
The Beginning of the "Dark Ages"
Replacement of a "Worn Out Society" with New Vigorous Peoples
Elements of Truth in Both Positions
Rural Romans not Very Different From Germanic Peoples
Germanic Tribes Move Southward Against the Roman Borders
Possible Factors
Deteriorating Weather / Climate
Crop Failures in North
Increased Population
The Huns
Map
Cavalry Force
Tribes First Enter Europe ca. 370
The Hunnic Empire (370-469)
Rome's Answer: Foederati
Battle of Hadrianople (378)
Visigoths 2
Established in Roman Empire as Foederati
Alaric
Invades Italy (409)
Sacks Rome (Aug. 24, 410)
Impact
Jerome, Commentary on Ezekiel
Aftermath
Latifundia vs. Political Engagement
Western Roman Empire Gradually Given Over to Germanic Tribes
Southern Gaul Granted to Visigoths in 418
Task of Defending Western Roman Empire in the Hands of Germanic Generals
The End of the Western Empire
Odoacer - Leader of Ostrogothic Foederati (470)
Romulus Augustus, Last Roman Emperor in the West
Odoacer Attacks and Defeats Romulus Augustus
Declares Himself First King of Italy (476)
The Germanic Kingdoms
Map
Continuity with Rome
Germans Admired and Wanted to Share in the Wealth and Civilization of Rome 3
Theodoric (454-526)
Two-Tiered Government
Similar Experiments Tried in Burgundian Kingdom
Discontinuity
Urban vs. Rural
Germanic People Are Primarily Rural
Germanic Manors and Villages
Dissolution of Roman Cities
Rule of Law vs. Personal Justice
Rome: Extensive Law Code, Court System, Standards for Evidence, Advocates
Germans: Blood Feuds, Trial by Ordeal
Tribe vs. State
New Opportunities
Emergence of the Church
Pope Gregory the Great (590-604)
Latin Christendom