Did the fall of Rome lead to the birth of Europe, Christendom and Western civilisation? This episode of The Burning Archive answers - What was the Roman Empire? What was it like before it fell? Why was it significant and still matters to us today. In Part I Jeff Rich sets out the story arc of the decline and fall of the Roman Empire, and sets the scene for a more detailed discussion of why it fell and its legacy in Part II.

Full references to the material in the show are provided at www.theburningarchive.com.