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Let's say that at some point after Trajan's reign, the empire is permanently divided into three instead of two, with three Augusti wielding full imperium in their respective domains and each fully recognized by the other two.

One Augustus would get Spain, Gaul, Britannia, and his would be any further conquests in Germania. This would be the Western Part.

One Augustus would get Italy, Africa, and Illyria. Not much room for further expansion, except for Dacia, which could make this the core and safest part of the Empire. This would be the Central Part.

One Augustus would get Greece, Asia (Minor), Oriens, and Egypt. This is pretty much the same as the OTL Byzantine Empire, and would still be the Eastern Part.

In short, would such an arrangement be able to extend the life of the Empire in the long-run? If the Westernmost parts of the empire had an Emperor of its own, he could focus on defending the Rhine and expanding his influence beyond Germany. And as I said, this leaves the Emperor in Rome without actually having to do that himself, and Italy in the safest position in the Empire. What do you think?
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