The last Roman emperor of the West, Romulus Augustulus, reigned from 475 to 476 AD. His rule signified the final stage of the Western Roman Empire's decline. Deposed by the Germanic leader Odoacer, Romulus Augustulus's removal marked the end of a thousand years of Roman imperial rule in the West. This event is often cited as the traditional date for the fall of the Western Roman Empire, leading to the fragmentation of authority and the rise of various kingdoms in Europe. The legacy of Rome continued to influence later European societies, particularly in governance, law, and culture.