In the Fourth Century the Roman Empire split between the Western Empire, headquartered in Rome, and the Eastern Empire, headquartered in what became Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). The Eastern Empire survived, in one form or another, until 1453 CE. By the end of the Fifth Century, however, the Western Empire had been destroyed/conquered.

Select at least two of the issues listed below and (A) explain how developments related to that issue differed for the Eastern/Byzantine Empire and the Western Empire and (B) the why those differences led to the Eastern/Byzantine Empire’s longevity. Your submission should be in essay format.

1.External Enemies
-The Western Empire – Goths, Visogoths, Franks, Huns, etc.
-The Eastern Empire – Arabs, Bulgars, etc.
2.Religious Institutions
-The Western Empire – Roman Catholicism and assorted other beliefs.
-The Eastern Empire – Rise of the Greek Orthodox Church.
3.Civil Institutions
-The Western Empire – Diocletian and Constantine’s reforms.
-The Eastern Empire – The Justinian Code; Justinian’s building program.
4.Economic Life
-The Western Empire – Control and coercion in the face of the changing economic climate.
-The Eastern Empire – Growth of Constantinople as a center of trade.