The term "Western Empire" is commonly used to refer to the portion of the Roman Empire that was located in western Europe during its decline and eventual collapse. However, there are several synonyms that can be used to describe this period of history, including "Late Antiquity," "Early Middle Ages," and "Dark Ages." Other terms that are sometimes used include "Barbarian Invasions," "Migration Era," and "Fall of Rome." Additionally, some historians refer to this period as the "Byzantine Empire," which was the name of the Eastern Roman Empire that continued to exist after the western empire collapsed. Regardless of which term is used, the period of history marked by the fall of the Western Empire was a significant turning point in European history.