On this day in 476 CE, the sun finally set on a mythic empire.
Centuries of gradual decline had plagued the Roman Empire, accentuated by seemingly endless civil wars, economic droughts, and bloody power struggles between leaders. The Western half of the empire encompassed territories of most of modern-day Europe, providing rich resources and land that the starving Empire clung to tightly.
However, the proximity of these territories to the northern part of the continent made them vulnerable to attacks by barbarian tribes. Visigoths, Ostrogoths and Vandals were key players in this conflict. Around the mid-5th century, the Western Empire was ruled by Romulus Augustulus. His surname means “little Augustus” due to being only 14 when he was made emperor by his father, Orestes.
Romulus was set up for failure from the start— the Western Empire was foundationally crumbling, Germanic tribes were practically at the empire’s throat, and it ultimately reigned for a meager 10 months. It was from one of these Germanic tribes that the Western Empire’s final foe, a general named Odoacer, came. Odoacer killed Orestes and deposed Romulus, putting an end to both the young emperor’s reign and the Western Empire itself.
Modern historians consider Romulus’ deposition to be a watershed moment in European history; although there are nearly no known policies, laws or changes made by Romulus’ power, his defeat is generally considered to be the moment when European history progressed from antiquity to early medieval times. Despite his victory, Odeacer would later be betrayed by a supposed political ally, Theodoric the Great, and assassinated in early 493.
The Western Empire’s death was mourned by many, yet surprised no one. Its death rattle continued to echo throughout history as a culmination of old glory, new fears and a timeless lesson that all great things must come to an end.
