The Roman Empire is, beyond a shadow of a doubt, the most successful and (in)famous empire of the ancient world. Lasting for nearly a thousand years, the Roman Empire developed and employed methods of nation-building and public works that are still used today. Widespread use of paved roads, aqueducts, building cement, and not to mention Christianity, were all developed within the borders of the great Roman Empire. As the old adage goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day." But it didn't fall in a day either.
The story of the long and arduous journey to obsolescence taken by Rome is a long one, but it is as fascinating as it is tragic. Intrigued? Read on to learn about the events that led to the fall of Rome.