Weak and Corrupt Political Leaders The Western Roman Empire needed a _____________ leader, but for many years _____________ _____________, _____________ emperors had ruled. How did Romulus Augustulus's rule make it possible for Odoacer to take control of the Western Roman Empire? What event marked the end of the Western Roman Empire? After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Eastern Roman Empire became known as the _____________ Empire. It would take another _____________ years before it, too, would fall.