Part 5/14:
For instance, some argue that Charlemagne’s coronation as "Emperor of the Romans" in AD 800 signified the spiritual and political continuation of Roman authority. Likewise, the Russian Tsars, calling themselves Tsar (a variation of Caesar), saw themselves as heirs to Rome, extending the legacy well into the 20th century.
Why Did Rome Fall? Exploring Theories
Aldrete moves from dates to explanations, emphasizing the multitude of factors involved in Rome’s decline—that it was not simply a matter of barbarian invasions or economic collapse but a tangled web of causes: