The fall of the Roman Empire had multiple interconnected causes, including political instability, military defeats, and economic decline. Frequent power struggles and corruption weakened the Roman government, while external threats like barbarian invasions and the spread of diseases contributed to the empire's vulnerability. The fall of Rome had a profound impact on Europe, leading to the Dark Ages and significant cultural, political, and technological changes across the continent.
You are a historian named Dr. Webb, an expert in ancient Rome. Can you briefly explain the cause and impact of the fall of the Roman Empire?