The Fall of Rome

          At around 476 AD, the great Roman Empire fell apart when Odoacer, a Germanic chief, banished the last Roman emperor out of the country.  Scientists have speculated over several reasons as to why Rome finally fell: geography; economic decline; lack of technology which led to a decline in work force; growth of government; military defeat. 
          Rome was located around the Mediterranean Sea in a donut-like shape.  Because of this, it was difficult for the Roman armies to be everywhere around the empire at once while under attack.  Battling the invading barbarian tribes took away many valuable soldiers and resources away from Rome.
          The century before the fall of the empire,  the Roman government and army kept expanding.  Government officials and soldiers cost money.  Adding to the cost of the growing military was the fact that Rome did not cease to import expensive goods from far away countries.  The Roman Empire simply could not afford both of these things.
          Because of the Romans' lack of technology, there was a very high death rate in the Empire.  Also, the number of slaves decreased, so Rome was forced to deal with fewer workers having to make more goods for their fighting soldiers.  The wealthier Romans did not care about making machinery that would be more time and energy-efficient, and so it was very difficult for the workers to meet demands for goods.
          Lastly, the Roman Empire simply was not strong enough to hold back barbarian attacks for extended periods of time.  So many invasions eventually wore the military down, and Rome was overrun by barbarians.
           In my opinion, I think that the lack of technology and decline of work force was the most important reason for the decline of Rome.  Since the empire had not developed the best medicines for battling cancer and other fatal diseases, they had a very high death toll.  Because of the limited amount of people, there were not as many workers available for creating products.  Because of the barbarian invaders, there was an increase in the demand for weapons and other items.  However, there were not enough workers to supply for this demand, and the soldiers were not well enough equipped to face invaders.  This caused the military to weaken and eventually fall.