ABSTRACT
THE contrast in conditions was particularly marked in the capitals. For more than three centuries, Rome remained the sole centre, the official capital, and the economic market; then the sovereigns, wishing to maintain a closer watch upon invasions, established themselves nearer the frontiers, and in 330 Constantinople became the second great centre of activity. This division of the territory was in no way factitious and was only partly dictated by military considerations. It corresponded to a natural cleavage between the eastern and western worlds which had been more or less maintained by history, creeds and customs. The old Greek and Asiatic traditions had survived in spite of apparent Romanization throughout vast regions of the Empire. Though the West had powerfully influenced the East, the East had reacted no less strongly upon the West: the latter had imposed upon the former its actual domination but had in turn borrowed traditions of government, habits of life, creeds and forms of worship. The setting up of an administration in Constantinople was a recognition of this return of oriental vitality and influence.
