The document summarizes the division of the Roman Empire into eastern and western halves. It discusses the establishment of the Tetrarchy system of rule and the civil war between Maxentius and Constantine, resulting in Constantine moving the capital to Constantinople in the East. It then covers the divergence of the stronger Eastern Empire under Byzantium and the weakened Western Empire. The rise of Islam under Muhammad and its rapid expansion are also summarized. Finally, it discusses the enduring influence of Roman traditions in the Byzantine Empire.