In 133 BC, the Republic of Rome took control of the Mediterranean Sea. The empire was prosperous and strong, but eventually experienced a downfall. The fall of the Western Roman Empire was caused by internal decay in political and military issues, economics, sociology, and religion. The political and military state of Rome started to decline after the death of Marcus Aurelius in A.D. 180. When he died, his spoiled son, Commodus, took over. Commodus was a …showed first 75 words of 533 total…

…showed last 75 words of 533 total…which impacted the political issues above. The deterioration of the empire led to changing beliefs. People took refuge in mysticism and other religious beliefs. From its beginnings in Judaea, Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire. Clergy preached the doctrine of patience and pacifism. This generated negative influences on military virtues and patriotism. As Roman power continued to decline in the West, invasions continued, and pressure from Germanic tribes ultimately led to the fall of Rome.