Final answer:
The Eastern Roman Empire lasted approximately 1000 years longer than the Western Roman Empire, which fell in 476 CE. The eastern half, Byzantium, survived until 1453 CE, demonstrating its resilience and influence, especially through the adoption of the Cyrillic alphabet in Eastern Europe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Eastern Roman Empire, commonly referred to as Byzantium, outlasted the Western Roman Empire by a significant span of time. Following the decline of the Western Roman Empire, which is often marked by the deposition of Emperor Romulus Augustulus in 476 CE, the eastern half continued to thrive. It wasn't until 1453 CE, with the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks, that this part of the empire finally succumbed. Thus, the Eastern Roman Empire lasted about 1000 years longer than its western counterpart.
This longevity can be partially attributed to factors like the more urbanized nature and strategic positioning of the East compared to the West, which was less urban and more exposed due to its extended frontier, making it more susceptible to invasion and societal disruptions (as addressed in Review Question 1).
A testament to the Eastern Roman Empire's influence is the adoption of the Cyrillic alphabet in Eastern European countries like Russia, the Ukraine, and Bulgaria, which derived from the Greek script, contrasting the Latin alphabet used in Western Europe.