The West Falls While the East Survives
The Roman Empire split into Western and Eastern halves, with the Western Roman Empire collapsing in 476 CE under Germanic invasions while the wealthier and better-defended Eastern half survived to become the Byzantine Empire for nearly a thousand more years, as taught in Grade 7 California myWorld Interactive Chapter 1: The Roman and Byzantine Empires. This division created two very different political futures from what had been one empire. This topic helps 7th grade students understand the transition from Rome to the Byzantine Empire.
Key Concepts
The division of the empire, meant to make it easier to rule, created two very different futures. The Western Roman Empire , with its capital still in Rome, faced constant invasions and severe internal problems.
This half grew weaker and finally collapsed in 476 CE. The eastern half, however, was wealthier and better defended. It survived the fall of the West and became known as the Byzantine Empire , lasting for nearly another thousand years.
Common Questions
Why did the Roman Empire split?
The Roman Empire split to make governing the vast territory easier, but this division created two very different futures with the Western half collapsing in 476 CE and the Eastern half surviving as the Byzantine Empire.
When did the Western Roman Empire fall?
The Western Roman Empire fell in 476 CE when it collapsed under the pressure of Germanic invasions and severe internal problems, ending Roman rule in the western Mediterranean.
What was the Byzantine Empire?
The Byzantine Empire was the continuation of the Eastern Roman Empire after the Western half fell in 476 CE. It was wealthier and better defended and survived for nearly a thousand more years.
What does Grade 7 history teach about the division of Rome?
California myWorld Interactive Grade 7, Chapter 1: The Roman and Byzantine Empires covers how the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 CE while the Eastern half survived as the Byzantine Empire.
Why did the Eastern Roman Empire survive when the Western fell?
The Eastern Roman Empire survived because it was wealthier with a stronger economy and better positioned to defend against invaders, allowing it to continue as the Byzantine Empire for centuries after the west collapsed.