  We propose a model for early universe cosmology without the need for
fundamental scalar fields. Cosmic acceleration and phenomenologically viable
reheating of the universe results from a series of energy transitions, where
during each transition vacuum energy is converted to thermal radiation. We show
that this `cascading universe' can lead to successful generation of adiabatic
density fluctuations and an observable gravity wave spectrum in some cases,
where in the simplest case it reproduces a spectrum similar to slow-roll models
of inflation. We also find the model provides a reasonable reheating
temperature after inflation ends. This type of model may also be relevant for
addressing the smallness of the vacuum energy today.
