The Ancients The Last Roman Emperors
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May 15, 2025 Adrian Goldsworthy, a historian and author specializing in ancient Rome, takes listeners on a captivating journey through the fall of the Western Roman Empire. He discusses the quiet abdication of Romulus Augustulus and the chaotic power struggles that led to the empire's collapse. Goldsworthy highlights notable figures like Odoacer and the internal turmoil that characterized the final days of imperial rule. The conversation reveals how military decline, political chaos, and shifting alliances shaped this pivotal moment in history, marking the end of an era.
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Quiet Fall of Western Empire
- The Western Roman Empire fell quietly in 476 AD with the abdication of Romulus Augustulus.
- Power struggles and puppet emperors weakened the empire before its collapse.
Weakened Authority and Fragmented Empire
- The Western Roman Empire was crumbling from weakened central authority and diversified external threats.
- Emperors had less control and relied heavily on local warlords and barbarian groups within the empire.
Emperor Honorius's Limited Power
- Honorius, Western Emperor during the 410 sack of Rome, was largely powerless and distant from real military control.
- His reign highlights the diminished role and influence of emperors amid internal chaos and external threats.
