The reasons behind the fall are numerous and complex ... to the civilization’s downfall was the continuous invasions from barbarian groups. For centuries, Rome had been dealing with Germanic tribes, ...

Roman commander Aetius arrived, and the siege was lifted. Photograph by BBS Ferrari/Getty Images Capitalizing on the chaos, Goths and other Germanic tribes began attacking Roman borders.

During the four brief years of his reign, this hardened soldier won his predecessors’ war with the Goths, repelled a barbarian invasion of northern Italy, and restored Roman rule in the unruly ...