The Roman Empire started to break apart due to social factors that arose in such a big civilization. Near the beginning of fourth century CE, Constantine the Great rose to power within Rome under belief of the Christian God. While Rome traditionally viewed its Emperor as a god, Constantine’s proclamation of belief in Christianity split apart the eastern areas of the empire from the west, as the monotheism of Christianity clashed with the polytheistic Roman religion. Constantine situated his capital of Constantinople within the eastern area of the Empire, furthering the disconnection between regions. This splintering of the Empire eventually caused the west of the Roman Empire to fall, and for the east to transform into the Byzantine Empire. These social factors of religious and cultural conflict weren’t the only factor in the decline of the Empire, but they sped up other political and economic issues into taking effect over a weakened society.
A split Roman Empire during the time of Constantine’s rule
Nicol, Donald M., and J. F. Matthews. “Constantine I.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Last modified February 8, 2018. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Constantine-I-Roman-emperor.
“The Fall of the Roman Empire.” US History. Accessed March 14, 2018. http://www.ushistory.org/civ/6f.asp.
Roman Ramblings 