Question

map 1: roman empire in 230 ce
map 2: the eastern roman (also called the byzantine empire) in 530 ce
what historical development is illustrated by the maps and what is one cause of the historical development illustrated by the maps?

Explanation:

The maps show the Roman Empire in 230 CE (a large, unified empire spanning much of the Mediterranean and beyond) and the Eastern Roman/Byzantine Empire in 530 CE, which is a drastically reduced, fragmented territory centered on the eastern Mediterranean. This illustrates the decline, fragmentation, and collapse of the Western Roman Empire, leaving only the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire intact in the east. One key cause of this development is the repeated invasions of Germanic tribes (such as the Goths, Vandals, and Franks) into the Western Roman Empire, which overwhelmed Roman military defenses, disrupted trade and governance, and ultimately led to the fall of the Western Roman Empire by 476 CE, while the Eastern Empire had stronger defenses, wealth, and a more stable capital (Constantinople) that allowed it to survive.

Answer:

1. The historical development illustrated: The maps show the contraction and fragmentation of the Roman Empire, with the Western Roman Empire collapsing, leaving only the smaller Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire intact by 530 CE.
2. One cause: Repeated invasions by Germanic tribes (including the Goths and Vandals) that overwhelmed the Western Roman Empire's military and administrative systems, leading to its collapse, while the Eastern Empire's stronger infrastructure and wealth allowed it to endure.