14. The Transformation of the Roman Army
The disciplined, professional Roman army was a cornerstone of imperial power. After 476 AD, it disintegrated, replaced by fragmented bands loyal to local warlords and chieftains. These new forces were often less trained and poorly equipped, lacking the organization that once secured Rome’s borders. As Ancient History Encyclopedia explains, this shift contributed to ongoing instability and left Western Europe vulnerable to invasions and internal strife.
