1 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 .