The Heirs of the Roman Empire

The heirs of the Roman Empire refer to various states and cultures that emerged after the fall of Rome in the West in 476 AD. These include the Byzantine Empire, which preserved Roman law and culture in the East, and Western European kingdoms like the Holy Roman Empire, which claimed continuity with Roman authority. Additionally, the spread of Christianity, Roman law, and governance influenced many nations, shaping modern Europe. The legacy of Rome can also be seen in language, architecture, and government systems that are foundational to many societies today.