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THE HISTORY OF THE DECLINE AND FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE CHAPTEK XXXVI Sack of Rome by Genseric, King of the Vandals — His naval Depredations — Succession of the last Emperors of the West, Maximus, Avitus, Majorian, Severus, Anthemius, Olybrius, Glycerins, Nepos, Augustulus — Total Extinction of the Western Empire — Reign of Odoacer, the first Barbarian King of Italy T HE loss or desolation of the provinces, from the ocean to Navai the Alps, impaired the glory and greatness of Rome ; her the van- internal prosperity was irretrievably destroyed by the 439-45 separation of Africa. The rapacious Vandals confiscated the patrimonial estates of the senators, and intercepted the regular subsidies which relieved the poverty, and encouraged the idle- ness, of the plebeians. The distress of the Romans was soon aggravated by an unexpected attack ; and the province, so long cultivated for their use by industrious and obedient subjects, was armed against them by an ambitious Barbarian. The Vandals and Alani, who followed the successful standard of [Generic's Genseric, had acquired a rich and fertile territory, which of vandals stretched along the coast above ninety days' journey from Tangier to Tripoli ; but their narrow limits were pressed and confined, on either side, by the sandy desert and the Medi- terranean. The discovery and conquest of the Black nations, that might dwell beneath the torrid zone, could not tempt the rational ambition of Genseric ; but he cast his eyes towards the sea ; he resolved to create a naval power ; and his bold resolution was executed with steady and active perseverance. VOL. IV. — 1