History
The Byzantine Empire Explained
Discover the Byzantine Empire, the continuation of Rome in the East that shaped a millennium of history, law, and religion.
What is it?
The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, was the continuation of the Roman Empire in its eastern provinces during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Its capital city was Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), originally founded as Byzantium. While the Western Roman Empire fell in 476 AD, the Byzantine Empire endured for nearly a thousand years more, finally falling to the Ottoman Empire in 1453. Its inhabitants considered themselves Romans, and their empire was a thriving center of trade, art, and learning. It was a Christian state with Greek as its official language, developing its own distinct political systems, religious practices, and art, heavily influenced by Greco-Roman traditions.
Why is it trending?
The Byzantine Empire remains a topic of fascination due to its incredible longevity and profound influence. It stood as a formidable barrier, protecting Western Europe from eastern invaders for centuries. Furthermore, Byzantium preserved classical Greek and Roman knowledge, including literature and philosophy, at a time when much of it was lost in the West. This preservation was crucial for the later development of the Renaissance, as Byzantine scholars fled to Italy after the fall of Constantinople, bringing precious manuscripts with them. Its complex politics, rich culture, and pivotal role at the crossroads of Europe and Asia make it a compelling subject for understanding medieval history.
How does it affect people?
The legacy of the Byzantine Empire is still felt today. Its most significant contribution is the shaping of the Eastern Orthodox Church, the second-largest Christian church in the world, which is central to the culture of many countries in Eastern Europe and the Balkans. The codification of Roman law under Emperor Justinian, known as the Corpus Juris Civilis, became the foundation for many modern European legal systems. Byzantine art and architecture, particularly its magnificent domed churches and golden mosaics, have influenced religious and secular buildings across Europe and the Middle East for centuries. The empire's role in preserving classical texts fundamentally shaped the intellectual development of the modern world.