Following the death of Valentinian III there was an Imperial power struggle in the West. In the midst of this struggle, the Vandals sacked Rome in 455 AD.
The History of Rome - 173- The Broken Bow
In the early 450s a string of deaths changed the political dynamic of Roman world. Between 450 and 455 Galla Placidia, Aelia Pulcheria, Atilla the Hun, Flavius Aetius and Valentinian III would all die- leaving the stage wide open for the next generation of leaders.
Also, an announcment.
The History of Rome - 172- Showdown
In 451 Atilla the Hun invaded the West. He was repelled by a coalition of forces lead by the General Aetius.
The History of Rome - 171- The Gathering Storm
After placating Atilla with yet another indemnity, Theodosius II fell from his horse and died in 450, leaving the Eastern throne vacant.
The History of Rome - 170- Atilla Cometh
In the 440s, the Huns began to direclty attack the Roman Empire.
The History of Rome - 169- Huns and Vandals and Goths, Oh My
In the 430s the Romans dealt with increasingly agressive and confident barbarian tribes living both inside and outside the traditional borders of the Empire.
The History of Rome - 168- The Rise of Aetius
In the late 420s AD, the Roman General Flavius Aetius connived and backstabbed his way up the chain of command.
The History of Rome - 167- Exploiting the Opportunity
The Emperor Honorius died in 423, leading to a brief civil war between the Theodosian dynasty and a self-proclaimed Imperial regime in Ravenna.
The History of Rome - 166- As Long As She’s Nice To Look At
Constantius III continued to lead the Western Empire as its defacto Emperor until 421, when he was officially elevated to the rank of Augustus. Unfortunately, this elevation was not recognized by Cosntantinople.
The History of Rome - 165- Reviving the Roman Name
Between 412 and 415 relations between the Romans and Goths shifted back and forth between alliance and antagonism.