Explanation: The Roman Empire fell in the 5th century AD, for a great many internal reasons, but externally for the reason that massive numbers of Germanic tribes 'forcefully migrated' their way into the Empire and carved out independent homes for themselves from the Empire's territory.
Rome's influence was so massive and long-lasting, though, that many of the Germanic polities of the next 1500 years would attempt to claim the heritage of Rome as their own, adopting aspects of its culture and laws even long after the Empire's death.
Is the EU just the next step in Germany's efforts to recreate the Empire...?