Definition
The Byzantine Empire was the eastern continuation of the Roman Empire. When the western half fell in 476 CE, the eastern half — wealthier, more urbanized, and centered on the great city of Constantinople — survived and endured until that city fell to the Ottomans in 1453 CE.
Its people called themselves Romans and saw their state as Rome itself, simply continued. Modern historians use the term "Byzantine" to mark how the eastern empire grew increasingly Greek in language and Orthodox Christian in faith, distinct from the Latin west.
Why it matters
How it works
Byzantium combined a strong centralized government, a powerful state church, and a sophisticated economy based on Constantinople's position astride major trade routes. Its emperors were seen as God's representatives on earth, and religion and politics were tightly fused.
The empire survived as long as it did through resilient administration, formidable city walls, skilled diplomacy that played enemies against one another, and military technology such as the incendiary weapon known as Greek fire. Its slow decline came from territorial losses, the rise of rival powers, and a devastating sack by Western crusaders in 1204 CE.