The Roman Empire's strength lay in its ability to incorporate diverse peoples, which was lost as it resisted integrating the Goths.

The resistance to fully integrate the Goths into Roman society contributed significantly to the decline of the Roman Empire.

Alaric, the leader of the Goths, was a former ally of Rome who turned against it due to unfulfilled promises from the emperors.

The Vandals' conquest of Spain and North Africa significantly impacted Rome's food supply, contributing to the city's population decline and loss of importance as a capital.

The conflict between Romans and Christians arose from differing views on loyalty to the emperor, where Romans saw it as a patriotic act to pray for the emperor, while Christians viewed it as worshiping another god.

The Romans would often take the sons of conquered tribal leaders, raise them as Romans, and incorporate them into their society, turning enemies into allies. As early as the second century AD, Roman emperors and senators began to come from provinces like Spain and North Africa, rather than just Italy.

The Roman Empire's strength lay in its openness to incorporating foreigners, making them want to be part of the empire and work for it.

The Germanic tribes, once smaller and disunited, grew stronger and more organized, eventually challenging Roman power directly.

By the 3rd century, the Romans were fighting wars on their own territory, leading to a long-term degradation of their military and political power.