The Byzantine Empire was a vast and powerful civilization with origins that can be traced to A.D. 330, when the Roman emperor Constantine I dedicated a “New Rome” on the site of the ancient Greek... The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, was the continuation of the Roman Empire centred on Constantinople during late antiquity and the Middle Ages.

Understanding the Context

Byzantine Empire, the eastern half of the Roman Empire, which survived for a thousand years after the western half had crumbled into various feudal kingdoms and which finally fell to Ottoman Turkish onslaughts in 1453. The Byzantine Empire existed from 330 to 1453. It is often called the Eastern Roman Empire or simply Byzantium. The Byzantine capital was founded at Constantinople by Constantine I (r.

Key Insights

306-337). The Byzantine Empire survived 1,123 years — geography, Greek Fire, and wealth made Constantinople nearly unconquerable. Predictive History explains its rise and what finally ended it in 1453. Explore the history of the Byzantine Empire (330–1453) — the eastern continuation of the Roman Empire. Discover its Christian heritage, imperial splendor, and enduring influence on art, architecture, and law from Constantinople to the Renaissance.

Final Thoughts

Scholars typically divide Byzantine history into three major periods: Early Byzantium, Middle Byzantium, and Late Byzantium. But it is important to note that these historical designations are the invention of modern scholars rather than the Byzantines themselves. The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, existed from AD 330 to 1453 and became the heir to the Roman Empire after its division. This period of history is characterized by a rich cultural heritage, religious changes, and a complex political history.