Which of the following factors best explains why the Western Roman Empire collapsed and broke into regional kingdoms in the fifth century CE, while the Eastern Roman Empire maintained its political and territorial integrity?

The decline and eventual collapse of the Western Roman Empire in the fifth century CE can be significantly attributed to its less urbanized nature compared to the Eastern Roman Empire, which maintained greater financial resources and a stronger economic backbone. The Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, benefited from its urban centers, which were hubs of trade, commerce, and population density. This urbanization facilitated more robust tax revenues and economic activity, allowing the Eastern Empire to sustain its military and bureaucratic functions.

In contrast, the Western Roman Empire was characterized by a decline in urbanization and economic instability, which made it more susceptible to invasions and internal strife. The Western Empire struggled with resource allocation and governance, especially as it faced increasing pressures from external tribes and internal divisions. The lack of financial resources in the West contributed to its inability to effectively manage frontier defenses and maintain public order.

Thus, the more urbanized and economically stable nature of the Eastern Roman Empire allowed it to fend off many of the challenges that led to the disintegration of its western counterpart, ultimately enabling it to retain its political and territorial integrity while the West fragmented into regional kingdoms.