History concepts and major events

¶ … decline of the Roman Empire came as a result of various social, economic, and military causes. One of the main factors influencing the eventual "fall" of the Empire was the invasion of Europe by the Mongolian Huns. These warriors forced the otherwise fierce Germanic tribes to seek solace within the borders of Rome. Because Rome had already begun to accept mutually advantageous relationships with Germanic border tribes, the sudden influx did not immediately threaten the Empire. However, the long-term effects of this migration would eventually be felt as a shift in ethnic and cultural dominance in the Empire. A declining Roman population was to be replaced by a growing Germanic one.

A second major factor in the "decline and fall" of the Roman Empire is economics. The Romans, no longer being able to afford an adequate army, grew more and more dependent on the federate tribes for military might. While the Romans used the Germanic tribes to act as surrogate border patrols, the federates eventually encroached on Roman territory and usurped Roman political and military power. Furthermore, without economic power, the Roman Empire had less political leverage and the Visigoths were eventually able to sack Rome in the early fifth century. Furthermore, Rome began to lose territorial strongholds and trade relations that favored the Empire.

The blending of Germanic and Roman cultures further weakened the central Roman authority. The clash between Arian Christianity and Roman Catholicism was a source of significant social strife in the Empire. Also, as the Germanic tribes grew more powerful in the Empire, political power shifted from the city-based elite to local bishops. This further weakened Rome as the seat of political power and eventually led to their replacement by Germanic Kings.

In characterizing Charlemagne's reign as a blending of Roman, Christian, and Germanic values, historians point to a bronze sculptor of the ruler. Charlemagne is depicted in a pose typical of classical emperors, riding in the traditional Roman manner. However, he is wearing a Germanic cape and wears a crown symbolizing his pope-bestowed ecclesiastical authority.

This statue visually captures Charlemagne's ability to reign by synthesizing various ideals. Charlemagne, as a personally pious man, sought to reform the Church and lead it though his powerful example. As he combined political and religious rule, Charlemagne used enforced conversion almost as a military weapon. His belief in the primacy of the Church led to his creating a veritable theocracy in Rome.