What was a major consequence of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Decline_of_the_Roman_Empire#Transformation
A major consequence of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire was the fragmentation of political power and the emergence of new political entities. This led to the formation of various successor states and the eventual shift of power away from Rome.
To understand this consequence, it is important to have a general understanding of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. The Roman Empire, which reached its peak in the 2nd century AD, faced a series of challenges such as political instability, economic crises, external invasions, and military decline. These factors gradually weakened the empire, leading to its ultimate collapse in 476 AD.
The decline and fall of the Roman Empire resulted in political upheaval and power struggles. As the empire disintegrated, various regional leaders and military commanders fought for control over different regions. This chaotic period created an environment in which new political entities emerged, replacing the centralized authority of the Roman Empire.
For example, in Western Europe, the collapse of the Roman Empire led to the rise of numerous Germanic kingdoms such as the Visigoths, Ostrogoths, Vandals, and Lombards. These Germanic tribes established their own kingdoms on former Roman territories. In the Eastern part of the empire, the Byzantine Empire (also known as the Eastern Roman Empire) continued to exist and thrive for several centuries, while adopting a distinct political and cultural identity separate from the original Roman Empire.
The fragmentation of political power resulted in increased decentralization and a loss of unified authority that had characterized the Roman Empire. This had long-lasting effects on the political, economic, and social order of Europe and the Mediterranean region. It marked the beginning of the Middle Ages, a period characterized by feudalism, the rise of regional powers, and the slow re-emergence of centralized authority in the form of various medieval kingdoms and empires.
Understanding the major consequence of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire involves recognizing the historical context, the factors contributing to its decline, and the subsequent fragmentation of political power that followed.