How Many Kingdoms Did Rome Split Into?

By Alice Nichols

When it comes to the fall of the Roman Empire, one cannot ignore the significant event of its division into multiple kingdoms. The once mighty and powerful empire was split into several smaller entities, marking the end of an era. Let’s delve into the details and explore how many kingdoms Rome ultimately split into.

The Division of Rome

After Emperor Diocletian’s reign in the late 3rd century, it became clear that ruling such a vast empire was becoming increasingly difficult. To tackle this challenge, he implemented a system known as the Tetrarchy, which divided power between two senior emperors (Augusti) and two junior emperors (Caesars).

However, despite this attempt at stability, internal conflicts and power struggles persisted. These internal conflicts weakened Rome significantly and ultimately led to its division.

The Western Roman Empire

In 395 AD, following the death of Emperor Theodosius I, his sons Honorius and Arcadius inherited the empire. Honorius became ruler in the West while Arcadius ruled in the East. This marked a crucial turning point as it formalized the division between these two regions.

The Western Roman Empire encompassed territories such as Italy, Gaul (modern-day France), Hispania (modern-day Spain), and Britannia (modern-day England). However, due to various external pressures including invasions by barbarian tribes like the Visigoths and Vandals, this part of Rome faced continuous decline.

By 476 AD, Romulus Augustus was overthrown by Odoacer, a Germanic chieftain. This event is often considered symbolic of the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

The Eastern Roman Empire

In contrast to its western counterpart, the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, managed to survive long after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Its capital was Constantinople (now Istanbul) and it became a center for trade and culture.

The Byzantine Empire continued to thrive and expand its territories throughout the Middle Ages. It included regions such as Greece, Anatolia (modern-day Turkey), Egypt, and parts of the Balkans. The empire lasted until 1453 AD when Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks.

The Kingdoms that Emerged

As the Western Roman Empire crumbled, various Germanic tribes established their own kingdoms within its former territories. Some notable kingdoms that emerged include:

  • The Visigothic Kingdom: Established in Hispania by the Visigoths, this kingdom lasted from 418 AD to 711 AD.
  • The Ostrogothic Kingdom: The Ostrogoths established this kingdom in Italy from 493 AD to 553 AD.
  • The Vandal Kingdom: The Vandals ruled over North Africa from 439 AD to 534 AD.

In addition to these kingdoms, other regions such as Gaul were divided into smaller territories ruled by various tribes and leaders.

The Legacy of Rome’s Division

The division of Rome into multiple kingdoms marked the end of an era but also laid the foundation for new political entities. These emerging kingdoms played a crucial role in shaping European history and societies that followed.

In conclusion, Rome split into two main parts: the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire. While the Western Roman Empire collapsed under external pressures, various Germanic tribes established their own kingdoms within its former territories.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Roman Empire continued to thrive as the Byzantine Empire until the 15th century. The division of Rome into multiple kingdoms had a lasting impact on the future of Europe.