Division of the Roman Empire: What Happened
In January 395 AD, the Roman emperor Theodosius I died in Milan, and the empire was divided between his two young sons. Arcadius, aged around 17, took the eastern half, ruling from Constantinople. Honorius, aged around 10, took the western half, ruling first from Milan and later from Ravenna. The empire had been split between co-emperors before, but after 395 it was never again ruled by a single emperor. The two halves drifted apart in language, culture and fortune. The Western Roman Empire, facing waves of Germanic invasions, grew steadily weaker. Rome itself was sacked by the Visigoths in 410 AD, and the last western emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed in 476 AD. The Eastern Roman Empire, wealthier, more populous and protected by the walls of Constantinople, survived for nearly a thousand more years. Greek increasingly replaced Latin as its main language. Historians later called this eastern half the Byzantine Empire, but its people always called themselves Romans. In Greek, they were Romaioi, a name Greeks used for themselves for centuries.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Roman Empire divided?
The Roman Empire was permanently divided in 395 AD, after the death of the emperor Theodosius I, between his sons Arcadius in the east and Honorius in the west.
Why was the Roman Empire divided?
The empire had been split between co-emperors before for easier rule and defense. After 395 AD, it was never reunited under a single emperor.
What happened to the Western Roman Empire?
The Western Empire was weakened by invasions. Rome was sacked in 410 AD, and the last western emperor, Romulus Augustulus, was deposed in 476 AD.
How long did the Eastern Roman Empire last?
The Eastern Roman Empire, known today as the Byzantine Empire, survived for nearly a thousand years after the division, until the fall of Constantinople in 1453.
Did the Byzantines call themselves Romans?
Yes. The people of the Byzantine Empire always called themselves Romans, or Romaioi in Greek. The term Byzantine was invented later by historians.
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