What is Byzantium?
The Byzantine Empire originated from the partition of the Roman Empire and remained its only successor after 476. It was cemented by Greek culture and the legacy of antiquity, the Christian Orthodox faith, and a Roman conception of law, administration, and imperial power. It endured numerous challenges over 11 centuries until the fall of Constantinople, its marvelous capital, in 1453. Nonetheless, it retained a significant religious, artistic, and cultural influence.
Who where the Byzantines?
Roman, Greek, or both ?
It’s important to note that the term ‘Byzantines’ was never used by the people of the Eastern Roman Empire to describe themselves or their civilization. Instead, the term was coined by the German historian Hieronymus Wolf in the 1555 century. Its purpose was to distinguish the later period of the Roman Empire, commonly referred to as the ‘Byzantine’ era, from the earlier ‘classical’ Roman era. The term gained widespread usage and recognition in the Western world during the 18th century and is today commonly accepted. But how did the people of the time perceive themselves, and who were they?
The Byzantine History: An 11-Century Adventure
Early Byzantine era
324-717
Middle Byzantine era
717-1204
Late Byzantine era
1204-1453
Defend and extend Byzantium.
The Empire’s administration and defense were intricately linked, with a sophisticated bureaucracy inherited from late antiquity, managing the empire’s vast territories and diverse populations while coordinating military defense. Strategic fortifications and professional armies were employed to safeguard borders and maintain territorial integrity while ensuring other sovereign functions. But one key factor was the adaptation shown by the Byzantines over one millennium to overcome constant challenges in a changing world.
Army
How was the army organised and how did it evolve to face countless enemies threatening the borders?
Navy
Controling the seas was crucial for Byzantinum. Learn about the greek fire and the strategies to dominate the seas.
Fortifications
City walls, castles were necessary for defense, and Byzantines excelled in building fortifications.
Discover Constantinople, the city of wonders
Heart of the Empire, Constantinople was not only a political and economic powerhouse but also a cultural and religious center. Its strategic location on the crossroads of Europe and Asia facilitated trade and diplomacy, while its impressive fortifications made it virtually impregnable for centuries. As the seat of the Orthodox Church, Constantinople was a beacon of Christianity and a center for religious art and scholarship and the city was renowed for its grandeur and magnificence.
Imperial power
The emperors wielded significant authority as both political and religious leaders, often embodying the divine authority of the state. Next to them, the empresses were also far from devoid of power, and the legitimation of the imperial power of the reigning family was a constant preoccupation. Imperial ceremonies, rituals, and iconography reinforced the emperor’s status as the ruler chosen by God, further solidifying the concept of imperial power in the Byzantine Empire.
Beyond Byzantium. Political and cultural influence.
Byzantine influence extended far beyond the empire’s borders. It was significant in the development of many neighboring regions: in the Slavic world, with the creation of the Cyrillic script, the conversion to Christianity, and artistic influences. It left a lasting imprint on African regions like Nubia and Ethiopia. It greatly influenced Caucasian Christian countries like Armenia and Georgia. It also had a profound artistic and cultural impact on Western culture during the medieval period and contributed to the Renaissance. It significantly influenced the Ottoman Empire itself, which destroyed Byzantium in the 15th century. Today, its legacy remains vibrant in many cultures.
Discover the Byzantine spirit still alive in these incredible places!
