Final answer:
The Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire, thrived due to its financial strength, strong Roman identity, geopolitical stability, and strategic geographical advantages, such as higher tax revenues, fewer invasions, and a well-defended capital at Constantinople.
Step-by-step explanation:
Why Did the Eastern Roman Empire Thrive While the Western Empire Declined?
The Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, continued to thrive as the Western Roman Empire fell due to several key factors. Firstly, the East was much wealthier than the West, with a stronger bureaucracy and tax-collecting system, leading to significantly higher tax revenue. This financial advantage allowed the East to maintain better-equipped and trained armies. Secondly, the East had a stronger Roman identity among its social elites, soldiers, and citizens. The continuity of Roman traditions and the loyalty to the Empire remained robust, partly attributed to the capital's strength and the military's success.
Another crucial aspect of the East's success was the geopolitical stability under Emperor Constantine. After moving the capital to Constantinople and promoting Christianity, the East encountered fewer threats from barbarians and Persians, who focused their invasions more on the West. The West, on the other hand, faced challenges in managing Germanic tribes, leading to its eventual fragmentation. Lastly, the geographical advantage and the strategic positioning of Constantinople, with a shorter frontier to defend against invasions compared to the West's longer and more turbulent borders, contributed to the East's relative stability and prosperity.