When did the Roman Empire fall (your thoughts)?

[Marcus Julius]

The timeline of the fall really comes down to how you define the Empire.

You might argue that Roman rule extended far into the medieval period in the form of the church. As the Imperial government assumed control of the church, and later the church established it's authority over the western world, the continuity of authority from Rome over the rest of the Empire's lands (and even more) was maintained. Pope Gregory I claimed to be descended from Rome's older Senatorial family bloodlines. This was the closest that someone of the new religion could get to the old Imperial tradition of claiming to be descended from the Gods. Just as some of the early Emperors were deified after their deaths, so were popes elevated to sainthood. European Kings were crowned by the church and ruled by "divine" right, just as the governors of those territories were appointed by the older Roman government. The church took "donations" from those territories, just as Rome had collected tax. The Kingdoms of Europe were all influenced by the church's ambassadorship throughout the western world. A decree from the Pope to the kings to march their armies against the enemies of Rome, was not much different than the old Emperors to their generals and governors.

On the contrary, you could also argue that Rome, as it existed previously, ceased to exist because of the crisis period of the 3rd Century. The reformations and changes to Roman society, economy, government, religion, etc. The creation of Tetrarchy rule meant there was no longer a single ruling Emperor. Then in the ensuing civil wars, when Constantine conquered all, it was a victory of Christianity over polytheism and paganism, with a new emperor and a new capitol in the East. Rome wasn't conquered by the Goths, it was conquered by Constantine and his Christians.