History
The Enduring Legacy of the Eastern Roman Empire
Discover the Eastern Roman Empire, the powerful continuation of Rome in the East that shaped religion, law, and culture for over a thousand years.
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What is it?
The Eastern Roman Empire, commonly known as the Byzantine Empire, was the continuation of the Roman Empire in its eastern provinces, lasting for more than a thousand years after the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD. Its capital was Constantinople, strategically founded by Emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD at the site of the ancient Greek city of Byzantium. While its citizens always identified as "Romans," the empire was distinct from its western predecessor. It was characterized by its Greek language and culture, Orthodox Christianity as the state religion, and a unique blend of Roman administrative traditions with Hellenistic civilization.
Why is it trending?
Interest in the Eastern Roman Empire is often renewed through its connection to the enduring popularity of ancient Rome, recently amplified by social media trends. The empire's dramatic and complex history—filled with epic sieges, political intrigue, cycles of decline and recovery, and iconic rulers like Justinian I—provides compelling narratives that captivate history enthusiasts. Its unique position as a bridge between the classical and modern worlds, and a defender of Christendom for centuries, makes it a subject of continuous academic and popular exploration. This fascination is also fueled by its depiction in video games, documentaries, and online discussions.
How does it affect people?
The legacy of the Eastern Roman Empire is profound and far-reaching. It preserved invaluable classical Greek and Roman texts that later helped fuel the Renaissance in Western Europe. The empire was instrumental in the development and spread of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, which remains a major cultural and spiritual force in Eastern Europe and Russia today. Its codification of Roman law, particularly the Justinian Code, became a foundation for many modern European legal systems. Furthermore, Byzantine art and architecture, exemplified by the magnificent Hagia Sophia, left an indelible mark on both the Christian and Islamic worlds.