How did the Roman Empire's decline affect Europe?

The decline of the Roman Empire significantly contributed to the fragmentation of Europe into various tribal kingdoms. As the central authority of the Roman Empire weakened, the vast territories that were once unified under Roman rule began to break apart. This process led to the rise of various Germanic tribes and other groups that established their own kingdoms, such as the Visigoths, Ostrogoths, and Franks.

These developments marked a departure from the urban centers and trade networks that characterized Roman civilization. The absence of a strong central government resulted in a more localized and fragmented political landscape, where power was often held by local chieftains or warlords. This increased reliance on local allegiances fostered the rise of feudalism in later centuries, but initially, these regions were marked by their tribal structures. Thus, the formation of tribal kingdoms was a direct consequence of the collapse of a cohesive Roman Empire, shaping the political landscape of medieval Europe.