The Collapse of the Roman Empire Many factors contributed to the collapse of the Roman Empire. The challenges from barbaric tribes threatening the fourth and fifth century Romans were intensified by a Roman tendency towards an autocratic centralized monarchy. Barbarian attacks and inflation forced in increase in salary to soldiers that were becoming more difficult to recruit. To meet the increased salary, taxes were increased, causing a rise in inflation. The Roman Empire became in …showed first 75 words of 468 total…

…showed last 75 words of 468 total…killed along with most of his army when he attacked the Goths. Theodosius, Valens’ successor managed to make peace with the Goths. The west continued to suffer barbarian attacks and became increasingly rural as individual estates became small fortresses and trade and communication all but vanished because of piracy and marauding robber bands. The Roman Empire in the west had been effectively wiped out and the city of Rome itself shrank to an insignificant town.