Furthermore, the east was protected against barbarian invasions from the north by the river Danube. The eastern half was very wealthy, its language and culture being mainly Greek, whereas the western part was Roman centered and based on Latin traditions and language. However, while the western part was a bit larger geographically, it was definitely poorer. Valentinian I became the emperor of the western part whereas his brother Valens ruled the east. It was inevitable - the Imperium Romanum had to be divided if there was to be any chance of survival. Barbarians began to invade the precious Roman lands, rebellious generals declared themselves emperors. But it became too big – corruption spread, the emperors could no longer control the vast territory properly. Through blood, iron and tears an empire had been forged, greater than anything the world had ever seen. Centuries ago, Rome had been a small city state. The die is cast, and the Empire has been divided. ''Alea iacta est'' as Julius Caesar once put it. Original Thread: The Eastern Roman Empire - Faction Guide