The Roman Empire was the greatest state of its time which spread from the Atlantic Ocean to the Middle East. However, its overexpansion and the growing cultural differences between citizens living in its different parts can be preconditioned the emergence of certain problems in its governing. Previously, Diocletian introduced the practice of Dominate when eastern and western parts of the state were ruled by different leaders. It can be considered the first sign of the future empire’s split. Later, Theodosius I became the last ruler of the whole of Rome who decided to provide his sons Arcadius and Honorius with equal powers separating the empire and giving rise to Eastern and Western states. One of the prior motifs for this solution was the necessity to manage its huge territories more effectively as one distant administration in Rome was not effective enough to solve all problems.
Nevertheless, being taken as a good decision at the very first stages of this model’s existence, the solution to split the state became one of the central reasons for its collapse. The growing gap in cultures as the West remained Roman, while the East adhered to Greek culture, the dominance of Orthodox Christianity in Constantinople, and emerging economic problems in relations between these two formations preconditioned their becoming completely independent countries with different interests and perspectives for the development. It can be evidenced by the fact that the Eastern Roman Empire, which later became known as Byzantine, existed much longer than the Western one and was able to preserve its dominance for centuries.
One of the most important advantages that provided the East with an opportunity to survive was its beneficial geographic location. First of all, it helped to avoid multiple problems associated with the migration of tribes, mostly Germanic nations, that caused serious harm to the Western Roman Empire and preconditioned its collapse. Being not able to resist barbarians that invaded its lands, Rome fell, while Constantinople continued its development for the next several centuries.
Another critical advantage was the availability of multiple financial resources and a more powerful financial sector. Eastern regions of the Empire were traditionally richer than other ones, and this factor was utilized to create the basis for the further development of this part. Rulers of the East were able to pay foreign mercenaries to protect their lands and give tributes to invaders’ leaders to avoid new raids or invasions. These factors helped to preserve the independence and continue the evolution of the state.