[@epicberet] Well you certainly came at me with both guns loaded. Allow me to rephrase. 

After the WESTERN Roman Empire fell, the world entered the Early Middle Ages. Basically, everyone got really angry about having regular baths, and some areas of Europe decided to do away with writing. Meanwhile, the Eastern Empire would continue to exist, and later act as a shield for the Catholic Church against Islam until aforementioned Catholic Church decided to sack Constantinople because DEUS VULT. Also I think the Emperors were freaky dudes too, like with the West, and spent more time banging chicks and painting than leading their peoples. Something to do with Themes? I think Themes were good, like regional warlords or something? Blah blah gabba gabba. Frengo's entire understanding of things summed up in some mush. 

But my point I'm trying to make I guess, is that the decline of Rome was heralded by stagnation. Rome didn't really do much towards the end of its life, no great innovations or anything like that - or so I understand. When it perished, I think Europe just lost a great administrative power? 

In our world, our nations are only going UP! So they're keeping that administrative advantage, along with their consistent rise of technological innovation and social progress.