Final answer:
Theodosius I divided the Roman Empire into two empires, with his sons inheriting each half, leading to distinct historical paths.
Step-by-step explanation:
Theodosius I divided the Roman Empire into two empires: the Eastern Roman Empire and the Western Roman Empire. After his death in 395, these halves were inherited by his sons, Arcadius and Honorius, respectively. The division was significant as it set the stage for different political and cultural trajectories, with the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, surviving until 1453, whereas the Western Roman Empire fell to various Germanic kingdoms by the end of the fifth century.