The decline of the Roman Empire was a complex process influenced by multiple interconnected factors. Here's a structured overview of the primary contributions:

1. **Political Instability**: The Empire experienced frequent power struggles, assassinations, and military coups, leading to weak and ineffective leadership. Emperors often came to power through violent means, undermining stability.

2. **Economic Struggles**: Persistent inflation, currency devaluation, and budgetary issues strained the economy. Excessive military spending and taxation challenges exacerbated these problems, while trade disruptions further hindered economic growth.

3. **Social Changes**: The social fabric eroded due to class struggles, urban overcrowding, and changes in family structures. The shift in societal values towards luxury and away from traditional civic duty may have weakened societal cohesion.

4. **Military Challenges**: While the military was formidable, it became increasingly involved in politics, leading to internal conflicts. Additionally, defending a vast empire's borders became increasingly difficult, and recruiting non-Roman soldiers diluted military strength and loyalty.

5. **Cultural Shifts**: The rise of Christianity altered the religious landscape, potentially causing internal divisions and undermining traditional institutions. Changing values, including a focus on materialism over civic duty, may have contributed to societal decay.

6. **Environmental and Health Crises**: Epidemics like the Antonine Plague devastated populations, reducing the workforce and straining resources. Climate changes and poor agricultural practices led to food shortages and economic strain.

7. **External Pressures**: Invading Barbarian tribes, such as the Goths and Huns, pressured the Empire's borders. Allowing these groups to settle within the Empire sometimes led to internal conflict and further destabilization.

8. **Division of the Empire**: The split into Eastern (Byzantine) and Western Empires left the Western part vulnerable due to economic and military weaknesses, hastening its decline.

These factors, though distinct, intertwined to create a comprehensive decline, with each issue exacerbating the others over time.