Discover the Byzantine Empire
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 were the Byzantines?
Roman, Greek, or both?
The people of the Eastern Roman Empire never called themselves “Byzantines.” The label was coined in 1555 by German historian Hieronymus Wolf to separate the empire’s medieval phase from its classical past. Popularized in the West during the 18th century, it is now standard history. But how did the empire’s actual citizens define their own identity?
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
Controlling the seas was crucial for Byzantium. Learn about the Greek fire and the strategies to dominate the seas.
Fortifications
City walls and 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 renowned for its grandeur and magnificence.
Arab siege of 717-718
Sack of 1204
Fall of 1453
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.
Learn about Emperor Justinian Learn about Empress Theodora Learn about Emperor Basil II Learn about Emperor Heraclius
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.