Which of the following best summarizes the fall of the Roman Empire?

A. The Roman Empire fell to invaders and the entire empire dissolved in 500 C. E.

B. The Roman Empire was divided into western and eastern halves. The western half was taken over, and the eastern half became the Byzantine Empire.

C. The Roman Empire was overrun by an invasion of Greeks.

D. The Roman Empire fell due to internal weaknesses caused by overpopulation and an unwillingness to move beyond a Roman Republic.

The correct answer is B.

Explanation:

The Roman Empire (27-476) was a single entity during most of its existence, stretching across southern and central Europe from the Iberian Peninsula to modern day Turkey. However, Roman Emperor Constantine the Great converted to Christianity and established Constantinople as capital of the eastern part of the Empire. Gradually, the western and eastern parts of the empire grew apart until they were finally split in 395. The Western Roman Empire eventually fell apart because of Germanic invasions coming from Northern Europe, until Rome was finally taken over in 476. The Eastern Roman Empire, on the other hand, survived for over a millennium (395-1453), and it is today best remembered as the Byzantine Empire.

Your answer is B. The Roman Empire was divided into western and eastern halves. The western half was taken over, and the eastern half became the Byzantine Empire.