Part 1/14:

The End of Rome: Debating When and Why It Fell

Introduction

In a recent episode of After School, Greg Aldrete, a seasoned history professor specializing in ancient Greece and Rome, takes us on an exploration of one of history's most enduring mysteries: the fall of the Roman Empire. He delves into two fundamental questions—when did Rome fall, and why did it collapse? Through a nuanced discussion, Aldrette reveals that these questions are far more complex than they might seem, with multiple plausible answers and explanations that span centuries.

The Difficulties in Pinpointing When Rome Fell

Aldrette begins by illustrating the difficulty in establishing a definitive date for Rome’s fall. Historically, scholars have proposed an array of key moments: