The high point of the Roman Empire is often marked by the period of the five good emperors, who ruled wisely and promoted stability, contrasting with the chaotic succession that followed.

The traditional view attributes the fall of the Roman Empire to barbarian invasions, but other factors like climate change and disease also played significant roles.

The question of when the Roman Empire fell is complex, with various dates proposed, including 476 AD when Romulus Augustulus was deposed, but the Eastern Empire continued to exist long after.

The Romans, facing their darkest hour during the Second Punic War, adapted their strategies to survive and ultimately became an unbeatable force in the Mediterranean.

The Western Roman Empire's decline in the 5th century was gradual, lacking a single defining moment of collapse.

The fall of the Roman Empire can be attributed to a combination of civil wars, migrations, and the inability to maintain military strength beyond its borders.

The late Roman Republic, from 133 to 31 BC, was marked by constant internal conflict and civil wars due to the unequal distribution of wealth and power.

Waves of plague during the reign of Marcus Aurelius caused significant death and economic disruption, contributing to the Empire's decline.

The Roman Empire's succession problem was a significant failure of Augustus, who relied on heredity for leadership, leading to a series of incompetent rulers until a shift towards selecting qualified successors emerged.