Why do people say Rome fell in 1922?

Interesting facts

Why Do People Say Rome Fell in 1922?

When most of us think about the fall of Rome, the familiar image that appears in our minds often involves barbarian tribes pouring over the borders, the last Roman emperor being overthrown in 476 AD, and the Western Roman Empire crumbling into what we often call the Dark Ages. The year 476 AD is traditionally accepted as the definitive "fall of Rome"—a clear dividing line signaling the end of ancient Rome’s dominance in the Western world. Yet, a curious twist emerges in some corners of historical debate: Why do some say Rome didn’t really fall until 1922? At first glance, this sounds like a puzzling claim, even anachronistic. But this idea opens the door to a fascinating exploration of how the legacy of Rome stretches far beyond the timelines we usually consider. It also reveals how history, identity, religion, and politics intertwine in shaping how people remember the past.

The Traditional Fall of Rome: A Starting Point

Let’s begin with the well-known story: what happened in 476 AD? The Western Roman Empire, which for centuries had controlled vast territories across much of Europe, North Africa, and parts of the Middle East, was facing mounting internal troubles. Economic crises weighed heavily, political instability shook the foundations, and waves of invasions by so-called “barbarian” tribes—like the Goths and Vandals—further weakened the empire. In that year, Romulus Augustulus, often regarded as the last Western Roman emperor, was deposed by Odoacer, a Germanic chieftain. This event is widely regarded as the “fall” of the Western Roman Empire, serving as a symbolic end to a grand era.

But the story of Rome did not end there. While the Western part disintegrated, the Eastern Roman Empire—centered in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul)—survived and even thrived for nearly a thousand more years. It preserved Roman law, governance, and culture, serving as a living link to the ancient empire.

The Byzantine Empire: Rome’s Eastern Continuation

Modern historians often refer to the Eastern Roman Empire as the Byzantine Empire, but its people saw themselves simply as Romans—“Rhomaioi” in Greek—and considered their empire the true continuation of ancient Rome. The Byzantine Empire was not just a political entity; it was a cultural and spiritual guardian of Roman heritage.

Constantinople, known as the “New Rome,” stood as a bastion of political power, culture, and Orthodox Christianity. This empire maintained Roman administrative systems and legal codes, supporting vibrant art, architecture, and scholarly work. Its influence stretched far into religious practices that continue in Orthodox Christian traditions today.

The Byzantine Empire endured for centuries of upheaval—wars, Crusades, and invasions—until its fall in 1453, when the Ottoman Turks captured Constantinople in a dramatic and prolonged siege. This moment is traditionally seen as the end of the Byzantine Empire and, by extension, the Eastern Roman Empire.

Enter the Ottoman Empire

At first, it may sound strange to connect the Ottoman Empire—a Muslim empire that arose in the late 13th century—with ancient Rome. Yet the Ottomans consciously linked themselves to the legacy of Rome, especially after taking Constantinople.

After their conquest in 1453, the Ottoman sultans claimed not just dominion over the former Byzantine lands but also a kind of imperial inheritance. Mehmed II, known as “the Conqueror,” styled himself Kayser-i Rum—“Caesar of Rome”—signaling a claim to the mantle of the Roman emperors before him. The city itself, once known as Constantinople, was renamed Istanbul, marking a geographical and ideological shift but also continuity of imperial authority.

Over the following centuries, the Ottoman Empire expanded across Europe, Asia, and Africa, governing a sprawling and diverse population. The empire became a major world power, blending various cultures under its rule, shaping political and religious landscapes in profound ways.

The Fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1922 and the "Final Fall of Rome"

So what’s special about 1922? This year marks the formal abolition of the Ottoman Sultanate, following the chaos of World War I, nationalist revolts, and the partitioning of its territories by Allied powers. After the Turkish War of Independence, the new Republic of Turkey was declared under Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. This moment ended the centuries-old Ottoman lineage and marked the dissolution of one of history’s last great empires.

Some historians suggest that the Roman imperial bloodline—passing from the classical Roman Empire through Byzantium and finally into the Ottoman Empire—came to a definitive end in 1922. From this perspective, the fall of Constantinople in 1453 was a transformation rather than a definitive end. With the Ottoman Empire gone, those who trace Rome’s legacy through imperial successions argue that Rome’s “final fall” occurred nearly 1500 years after the Western Empire collapsed.

This interpretation sparks debate, because much depends on how we define “Rome.” Is Rome defined by ancient Roman culture, Christian religion, imperial authority, or some combination of these? Different definitions lead to different answers.

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Religious and Cultural Dimensions of Roman Legacy

To understand why some claim Rome fell in 1922, it’s necessary to look beyond politics to religious and cultural identity.

The Byzantine Empire was staunchly Orthodox Christian, and after Constantinople’s fall, Russia began positioning itself as the spiritual heir to Rome’s legacy, embracing the idea of Moscow as the “Third Rome.” This concept held that with Rome and Constantinople defeated, Moscow became the new center of true Christianity and Roman imperial spirituality. In this religious framework, Rome’s influence extended far beyond simple geography or politics.

Meanwhile, the Catholic Church crafted its own narrative of Roman continuity in Western Europe through the Holy Roman Empire. Although more symbolic and ideological than a direct political successor, the Holy Roman Empire claimed the mantle of Rome until its own dissolution in 1806.

Nationalist movements in Italy and elsewhere further sought to revive Roman glory through culture and politics, rekindling the empire’s image in modern identities and statecraft.

Why Does This Matter Today?

At first, debating whether Rome fell in 476 AD, 1453, or 1922 might seem like an academic quibble. Yet this discussion reveals deeper truths about how we understand history, identity, and legacy.

Rome was more than a city or an empire; it was an idea—an ideal of order, civilization, and power that has inspired countless societies. Saying Rome fell in 1922 recognizes a historical thread that survives political upheavals, religious shifts, and cultural transformations.

History rarely unfolds in neat chapters with clear endings. Empires dissolve and merge, ideas persist and evolve. Viewing Rome’s fall as a process rather than a single event helps us appreciate the complexities in how civilizations endure.

Exploring Different Perspectives: History Through Varied Lenses

The question of when Rome truly fell also highlights how history can be interpreted through different national, religious, or political lenses. Historical lenses can shape the way we perceive events, similar to how the Roman Empire is viewed through varied perspectives.

For example, the Ottoman Empire’s rulers and supporters often saw themselves as carrying forward a grand legacy—one of conquest, governance, and civilization—that could be traced back to Rome. From their perspective, their empire was not a break, but a continuation.

Conversely, many historians stress that the Ottoman state was a fundamentally new entity with distinct cultures, religions, and laws, marking a departure from Roman imperial traditions. A contrasting view is further explained in various historical accounts, such as seen here.

Similarly, Russia’s claim to be the “Third Rome” was both a religious and political strategy—aimed at uniting its people and asserting Moscow’s place on the world stage after Byzantine decline. These varied stories remind us that historical narratives often serve present-day identities as much as they reflect past realities.

Introducing a Thoughtful Tool for Exploration

Sometimes, history comes alive in unexpected ways. Take the example of the video game "Total War: Rome Remastered," which immerses players in the world of Roman military strategy, politics, and culture. This game not only explores ancient Rome but also includes factions and eras that reflect the extended influence of Rome’s successors. It allows players to experience the complexity and richness of Rome’s enduring legacy in an interactive medium.

Final Reflections: The Fall of Rome as an Ongoing Story

Did Rome fall in 476 AD, 1453, or 1922? The answer depends on how one defines “Rome.” Is it the city that founded an empire? The western half of that empire? The eastern Byzantine continuation? Or the ultimate successor in the Ottoman Empire?

Each of these moments marks the end of a chapter in a much longer story. The Roman Empire’s legacy is like a river—it never fully dries up. Instead, it changes course, nourishes new lands, and flows onward, albeit transformed. This fluidity complicates attempts to pinpoint simple beginnings or endings in history.

In the end, claiming that Rome fell in 1922 invites us to appreciate the depth and persistence of an empire’s influence—not simply as distant facts in textbooks, but as a living story shaping identities, religions, and politics across millennia. It reminds us that history is less about clear-cut endings and more about the stories we choose to tell, the connections we make, and the meanings we draw from the past.

Aurora Antiqua invites you to explore these intriguing artifacts and narratives that breathe life into Rome's expansive heritage.