Theodosius's death and the signs of trouble

Following the death of Theodosius the Great, the last emperor to rule both the Eastern and Western halves of the Roman Empire, the Empire appeared stable. However, cracks began to show, with Northern Gaul and Britain slipping from the Empire's grasp. The young and inexperienced sons of Theodosius, who took over as emperors in the East and West, were ill-equipped to handle the challenges ahead. These factors, combined with the weakening army and economic troubles, set the stage for the fall of the Roman Empire.