1. The Deposition of Romulus Augustulus: On September 4, 476 AD, the Germanic warlord Odoacer deposed the last Western Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustulus. This event is often considered the symbolic end of the Western Roman Empire.
2. Fall of the Western Imperial Administration: After the deposition of Romulus Augustulus, Odoacer ruled Italy as a de facto independent king, but he maintained the fiction of imperial authority by recognizing the Eastern Roman Emperor Zeno as his overlord. However, over time, the imperial administration in the West gradually collapsed, and Odoacer asserted his full independence.
3. Establishment of Barbarian Kingdoms: During the 5th century, various Germanic tribes and peoples established their kingdoms within the former territory of the Western Roman Empire. These kingdoms included the Visigothic Kingdom in Spain, the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Italy, the Frankish Kingdom in Gaul, and the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms in Britain.
4. Loss of North Africa: In 429 AD, the Vandals, a Germanic tribe, captured the Roman province of North Africa, which had been a vital source of grain for Rome. The loss of North Africa further weakened the Western Empire.
5. Invasions and Devastations: Throughout the 5th century, the Western Empire faced repeated invasions and attacks from various Germanic tribes, such as the Visigoths, Vandals, and Huns. These invasions caused significant destruction and disruption, contributing to the decline of the empire.
6. Economic Decline: The Western Roman Empire experienced severe economic challenges, including inflation, a decline in trade, and the loss of valuable provinces. The empire struggled to maintain its military and administrative structures due to financial constraints.
7. Split of the Roman Empire: In 395 AD, the Roman Empire was permanently divided into two halves: the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire). This division further weakened the Western Empire, as it faced various challenges on its own without the full support of the East.
While these events are commonly recognized as marking the end of the Western Roman Empire, it's important to note that the decline of the empire was a gradual process that spanned several decades. The end of the Western Roman Empire marked the beginning of a new era in European history, characterized by the rise of various Germanic kingdoms and the eventual emergence of medieval Europe.