The Roman Empire was divided into two parts in 395 AD, following the death of Emperor Theodosius I. The empire had already been effectively divided into two administrative regions, with one capital in Rome and the other in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). The division was formalized when Theodosius' sons, Arcadius and Honorius, divided the empire between them. Arcadius took the eastern half, which became known as the Byzantine Empire, while Honorius took the western half, which continued to be known as the Roman Empire.
Formation of the Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire was a continuation of the Roman Empire, but it developed its own distinct culture and identity over time. The empire was centered on Constantinople, which was one of the largest and most important cities in the world at the time. The Byzantine Empire was also home to a rich artistic and intellectual tradition, and it was responsible for preserving much of the classical Greek and Roman culture and literature.
Reasons for the Division
There were a number of reasons why the Roman Empire was divided. Some of the key factors include:
* Administrative difficulties: The Roman Empire was simply too large to be effectively governed from a single capital. The division allowed for more efficient administration and allowed the emperors to focus on their own regions.
* Military threats: The Roman Empire was facing a number of military threats from both internal and external enemies. The division allowed for the emperors to better defend their territories.
* Religious differences: The eastern and western parts of the Roman Empire had different religious traditions. The eastern half was primarily Christian, while the western half was still largely pagan. The division allowed for religious freedom in both parts of the empire.
Impact of the Division
The division of the Roman Empire had a profound impact on European history. The Byzantine Empire continued to thrive for over a thousand years, while the western half of the empire fell to barbarian invasions in the 5th century. The division of the empire also contributed to the development of the Catholic and Orthodox churches.