WI: Roman Empire permanently splits in the 3rd century?

The Palmyrene empire would likely be the first to adopt Christianity as state religion don't you think? And if it is in prolonged hostilities with the other empires, the spread of Christianity in them may slow.

I don't know how this might affect the later potential conversion of the Goths and Germans. I would figure there would need to be a "beach-head" for Christianity in Europe, like Thrace or Crimea, for missions to Goths and Germans to even be a thing.

What if we went to the other extreme and had the crisis of the 3rd century not just split but also collapse the western Roman empire. Who would shape the post-imperial destinies of Pannonia, Illyria, Gaul, Hispania and Africa. In what ways would it mirror or differ from the politics of OTL's 476 AD onward?

Well that's even assuming that Palmyra even adopts Christianity, and Christians have been going on throughout the Empire for quite some time anyway, so there is no guarantee that Gallia or Roma, assuming the former is still around, wouldn't adopt Christianity first.

As for, assuming the rest of the Empires break up further (say into Illyria, Gaul, Africa, maybe even Macedonia & Pontus), that I cannot say. I just say, good luck to the poor schmuck who's got to put it all back together again, assuming the Germans don't get to them first..
 
The Palmyrene empire would likely be the first to adopt Christianity as state religion don't you think?

Christianity was strong in the East, but even stronger was Sol Invictus in Palmyra (or Helios or Sol Elagabalus). So I doubt the Palmyrenean nobility would convert first.
 
Long enough, at least, for the Roman Empire to collapse in on itself with a sacking of Rome by the Juthungi and a complete breakdown of the Balkan frontier by the Goths.

Lol, what a great scenario!

First I was laughing, and I was afraid, that you became completely nuts. And after this funny moment, I recognized, that you are completely right!
 
Of course he's right, Sly Dessert is never wrong...

And now I feel like I want to take up such a project, of a Roman Empire that...probably will still break up, but then get's smacked around by Goths and Juthungi and Vandals, oh my!
 
And now I feel like I want to take up such a project, of a Roman Empire that...probably will still break up, but then get's smacked around by Goths and Juthungi and Vandals, oh my!

In this scenario, Hispania would most probably unite with the Gallic empire. Like they did during the usurpation of Constantine III around 400. Africa would do its own thing or join too sooner or later.

And then the empire strikes back.

The empire of the 3rd century was chaotic. But not toothless. The romans are not ready yet, to let barbarians sack Rome and call it a day. Barbarian armies usually have still been an easy prey these times. Given that a good commander has enough time to restore discipline.

At the end we still have an united empire. Even if the OP does not like this message.
 
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