14 August 2023
The Western Roman Empire’s collapse in 476 AD wasn’t due to a single cause, but a combination of factors termed a “polycrisis.” Key issues included external pressures from migrating tribes, notably the Huns, which pushed other groups into Roman territories. Economically, challenges like the depletion of silver mines in Spain strained Rome’s resources. Societal problems also arose, with the overproduction of elites leading to internal conflicts, while escalating wealth inequality undermined social cohesion. Additionally, missteps in integrating Barbarian tribes, once assets to Rome’s military, further destabilized the empire. All these internal and external challenges highlight the vulnerability of even the most dominant empires when multiple crises converge.