Byzantium and the Decline of the Roman Empire

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The study explores the eastern Roman Empire's response to the fall of the western half, particularly following the sack of Rome in A.D. 410. Utilizing fifth and sixth-century sources, it reveals that the eastern empire was acutely aware of the western disasters and had strong opinions about them. Intellectual discourse was heavily influenced by religious debates, both Pagan and Christian, while economic and diplomatic factors also played significant roles. The author emphasizes that the response was uniquely eastern, shaped by the specific circumstances of the eastern provinces.