using the information on the table invesigate how geography affected the east west schism

To analyze how geography affected the East-West Schism (the split between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church), we must consider several geographical factors that contributed to the development and eventual division of Christianity in the East and West. Although I do not have access to a specific table you mentioned, I can provide a comprehensive overview of how geography played a significant role in this schism.

### Key Geographical Factors Influencing the East-West Schism:

1. **Center of Authority**:
- **Rome vs. Constantinople**: The Roman Catholic Church based its authority in Rome, while the Eastern Orthodox Church was centered in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). This physical separation created distinct leadership structures, with competing claims to authority over the Christian world.

2. **Cultural and Linguistic Differences**:
- **Latin vs. Greek**: The Western Church primarily used Latin, while the Eastern Church used Greek. This linguistic divide fostered differing theological developments and liturgical practices, contributing to misunderstandings and cultural divides.
- **Ethnic Diversity**: The geographic boundaries of the Eastern Church encompassed a range of cultures (Slavic, Arabic, etc.), leading to different interpretations of Christianity.

3. **Trade and Economic Factors**:
- **Silk Road and Trade Routes**: Trade routes traversed through the Eastern Mediterranean opened up the East to various external influences, affecting its theological and cultural outlook. This economic interaction often contrasted with the more insular development of the Western Church, which was less influenced by such a variety of cultures.

4. **Military and Political Divides**:
- **Empires at Odds**: The Byzantine Empire and the Holy Roman Empire often had conflicting interests, exacerbated by geographical proximity. Military conflicts and political rivalries created an atmosphere of mistrust and tension, contributing to the schism.
- **Territorial Expansion**: The geographical expansion efforts of both empires led to competing claims over territories, further dividing the religious communities.

5. **Religious Pilgrimage and Communication**:
- **Travel Barriers**: The geographic separation posed significant barriers to travel and communication between the Eastern and Western churches. Diplomatic efforts, theological debates, and councils were harder to coordinate, leading to a gradual drift in practices and beliefs.

6. **Natural Geography and Isolation**:
- **Mountain Ranges and Seas**: Physical geography, including mountain ranges and bodies of water, often isolated communities and contributed to regionalism within the church. Areas that were difficult to access developed distinctive theological views and practices.

### Conclusion:

The East-West Schism was profoundly affected by geographic factors that influenced the development of ecclesiastical structures, language, culture, and politics within Christianity. Over time, these geographical divides crystallized into two distinct traditions, each with its theological, liturgical, and political identity. The schism, formally occurring in 1054, was the culmination of centuries of divergence shaped by these geographic realities. Understanding these factors provides a clearer context for the complex interplay between religion and geography in shaping the histories of the Eastern and Western Christian traditions.