The major historical event that occurred in 476 AD is the fall of the Western Roman Empire. This date marks the deposition of the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, by the Germanic king Odoacer. The event symbolizes the end of ancient Rome's dominance in the West and the transition into the Middle Ages. It was marked by a decline in centralized power, leading to the fragmentation of territories and the rise of various barbarian kingdoms. This transformation set the stage for the development of medieval Europe and the eventual rise of feudalism, profoundly impacting European history.