The Western Roman Empire was the western half of the Roman Empire, which split into two parts in 285 AD. It included regions such as Italy, Gaul, and Hispania. The capital was initially Milan, later moved to Ravenna. The empire faced numerous challenges, including invasions by various tribes and internal strife. The Western Roman Empire officially fell in 476 AD when the last emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed by the Germanic king Odoacer. This event marked the end of ancient Rome's political power in the West and led to the rise of various kingdoms in Europe, paving the way for the Middle Ages.