Constantine's Reforms

Constantine's rise to power marked the end of the Tetrarchic system. He reunified the Empire and established Constantinople as the new capital.

Quote: "The Tetrarchy was short-lived because Constantine reunified the Empire and moved the capital to Constantinople."

Highlight: This administrative reorganization maintained the Empire's political unity while recognizing the growing importance of the East.

The Final Division

After Theodosius's death in 395 CE, the Empire was permanently divided into Eastern and Western halves, each with distinct characteristics.

Definition: The Eastern Empire became known as the Greek-Byzantine Empire, centered in Constantinople, while the Western Empire maintained its Latin character.

Highlight: This division marked the final split of the Roman Empire, with the Western half based in Ravenna and the Eastern in Constantinople.

Example: The distinct cultural and linguistic differences between the two halves (Greek-Byzantine in the East, Latin in the West) reflected their divergent paths.