Several factors contributed to the fall of the Roman Empire, including economic troubles, military defeats, overreliance on mercenary forces, and political corruption. Economic instability emerged from heavy taxation and reliance on slave labor, leading to decreased productivity and economic stagnation. Military challenges were exacerbated by invasions from barbarian tribes, which depleted the empire's resources. Additionally, a series of weak and ineffective leaders compromised political stability. The division of the empire into Eastern and Western halves in the late 3rd century further weakened the West, ultimately causing its decline and fall in 476 AD.