Byzantine Empire

Overview

• Known as the Eastern Roman Empire.
• Continuation of the Roman Empire in the east, centered on Constantinople.
• Endured from the fall of the Western Roman Empire (5th century) to the fall of Constantinople (1453).
• Citizens referred to it as the Roman Empire, called themselves Romans.
• Greek was the common language, Christianity the state religion.

Key Emperors

• Constantine I: Legalized Christianity, moved capital to Constantinople.
• Theodosius I: Made Christianity the state religion.
• Justinian I: Expanded the empire, reformed laws with the Corpus Juris Civilis.
• Heraclius: Introduced Greek as the empire's official language.
• Leo III: Repelled Arab siege, initiated Iconoclasm.
• Basil II: Expanded the empire to its largest extent since Justinian.
• Alexios I Komnenos: Initiated Komnenian restoration.

Military History

• Utilized a theme system: military districts to secure territories.
• Known for defensive strategies and diplomatic efforts.
• Major conflicts with Persians, Arabs, and later the Crusaders.
• Byzantine navy was influential with innovations like Greek fire.

Culture and Society

• Blended Roman political traditions, Greek culture, and Christianity.
• Influential in the development of Orthodox Christianity.
• Preserved and transmitted classical knowledge to Renaissance Italy.
• Byzantine art and architecture, notably the Hagia Sophia, were highly influential.

Legal and Administrative System

• Reformed by Justinian I with the Corpus Juris Civilis.
• Administration divided into themes, governed by strategos.
• Maintained a complex system of laws influencing European legal traditions.

Economic Factors

• Economy based on agriculture, trade, and taxation.
• Constantinople was a key trade hub.
• Experienced economic fluctuations due to wars and plagues.

Decline and Fall

• Gradual territorial losses due to Arab conquests and later Crusader invasions.
• Fourth Crusade (1204) led to the sack of Constantinople.
• Final fall in 1453 to the Ottoman Empire.

Legacy

• Significant cultural and political influence on Eastern Europe and the Orthodox Church.
• Byzantium preserved classical Greco-Roman traditions through the Middle Ages.