Spektrum Geschichte 2/2024 Rome's end

As is often the case in historiography, sources abound when it comes to the former elite - rulers, military leaders, and renowned scholars. But what about the common people? What did the inhabitants of the Roman Empire experience as the empire gradually fell apart in late antiquity? There is a source that speaks eloquently about this, but it requires reading between the lines. Our author, Tobias Sauer, reports on the events during the dissolution of the Western Roman Empire - when Passau looked into the abyss. Historians are still divided on the causes of the downfall. However, one thing is certain: it was not a single event, but a web of occurrences that led to the empire's collapse. Nevertheless, the high nobility is not overlooked in this edition. Two stories focus on princes who each claimed ties to very famous royal houses. One was Charles Edward Stuart, who attempted to become Charles III in the 18th century - and failed completely. We also look to Persia, where the son of Nadir Shah similarly missed the throne in the 19th century. Ali Mirza Khan, however, made a career for himself: in Austria. Wishing you an enlightening read, Karin Schlott, Editorial Team of Spektrum der Wissenschaft.