Question

After Theodosius, the increasingly different eastern and western halves of the Roman Empire were never again united under the rule of a single emperor. Match each feature of the empire with the region it best describes.

Answer 1

After Emperor Theodosius's death, the Byzantine Empire thrived due to its strategic location and political stability, while the Western Empire suffered from political instability and invasions, leading to its fragmentation.

Step-by-step explanation:

Eastern Rome, also known as the Byzantine Empire, centered around its capital in Constantinople and was characterized by its ability to manage relations with foreign invaders, its strategic location for trade, and a stronger political structure. The Western Roman Empire, on the other hand, faced a more tumultuous frontier, frequent barbarian invasions, and eventually fragmented into various Germanic kingdoms after its fall in 476 CE. The Eastern Roman Empire, with its capital in Constantinople, was well-placed geographically, being closer to important frontiers and trade routes. This allowed it to remain more stable and prosperous. It was also deeply influenced by Christianity, which became the state religion under Emperor Constantine, and managed to maintain its borders and cultural identity for centuries. Conversely, the Western Roman Empire grappled with political instability, and border incursions, and eventually succumbed to fragmentation as it could not withstand the pressures of external invasions and internal discord. Geography, religion, and politics played significant roles in the differing fates of the Eastern and Western Roman Empires post-Theodosius.