What political impact did surrounding empires have on the Western and Eastern Roman Empires?
Surrounding empires had a significant impact on both the Western and Eastern Roman Empires. In the case of the Western Roman Empire, the presence of powerful neighboring empires such as the Germanic tribes and the Huns put pressure on the empire's borders and ultimately contributed to its downfall in 476 AD. The constant threats and invasions from these neighboring empires weakened the Western Roman Empire's ability to govern and protect its territories.
On the other hand, the Eastern Roman Empire, or the Byzantine Empire, benefited from its strategic location between Europe and Asia. The Byzantine Empire was able to trade and interact with various surrounding empires such as the Sassanian Empire, the Arab Caliphates, and the various Turkish empires. This allowed the Byzantine Empire to maintain its power and influence in the region for a much longer period of time compared to its western counterpart.
Overall, the political impact of surrounding empires on the Western and Eastern Roman Empires varied, with the Western Empire facing constant threats and invasions while the Eastern Empire was able to thrive and maintain its power through strategic alliances and trade relationships.