The Roman Empire was breaking up, but was saved by two strong emperors, Divocletian and Constantine.

    When Constantine died Rome split into west and east Rome. After the merciless Emperor Alexzander Severous in  235 A.D. the government broke down completely. This was the beginning of the end of Rome.

   The East Roman Empire took back part of Italy and North Africa from the barbarians. The land East Rome took over was taken away again.

    In  455 A.D. Rome was plundered again by another barbarian horde, the Vandals. The western Roman Empire no longer existed, all the providence where barbarian kingdoms.

    Cut off from the west the Byzantine Empire developed its own brilliant civilization, which lasted for 1000 years after imperial Rome had fallen.

    The Roman Empire lasted about 700 years, but its Roman civilization lasted longer. The Roman Empire was recognized as the greatest empire.