The Visigoths

In the West, the empire declined. In 410 CE, the Visigoths invaded and destroyed Rome.

Rome’s population decreased from 500 000 to 50 000.

Islam developed, and the southern shore of the Mediterranean came under Islamic control.

The West’s economy, which depended on the Mediterranean trade routes, plunged.

Without a clear political and economic centre, a period of poverty began.

Christianity became the common bond that unified Western Europe.