When they say barbarians destroyed Rome, they're talking about the Germans, French, Italian, and Bulgarians, in actuality, are they not? I've never given it much though, and am not too familiar with Romes decline outside of how it relates to Fox and his martyrs. However, it's still those fiefdoms and future countries that were ebbing and flowing with each other, and able to expand under Rome's new clothes as Pope. Which is why I infer what I am. Ish, too early for your germanophilia?