Eastern Roman Empire

Eastern Roman Empire Βασιλεία Ῥωμαίων (Basileía Rhōmaíōn)
330–1453
Capital	Constantinople
Common languages	Medieval Greek, Latin
Religion	Chalcedonian Christianity
Government	Autocracy
Historical era	Late Antiquity to Middle Ages
• Dedication of Constantinople	330
• Fall of Constantinople	1453
Currency	Solidus, Hyperpyron
Preceded by Succeeded by Roman Empire Ottoman Empire

The Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, was the continuation of the Roman Empire in the eastern provinces during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Its capital city was Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), originally founded as Byzantium. It survived the fragmentation and fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD and continued to exist for an additional thousand years until it fell to the Ottoman Empire in 1453.

History

The foundation of the Eastern Roman Empire is traditionally dated to 330 AD, when Emperor Constantine the Great dedicated Constantinople as the new capital of the Roman Empire. The division was formalized in 395 AD upon the death of Emperor Theodosius I, who left the empire to his two sons, with the Eastern Roman Empire going to Arcadius and the Western Roman Empire to Honorius.

1. 1. 1. Rise and Expansion

During the reign of Justinian I, the empire reached its greatest territorial extent, re-conquering much of the western Mediterranean shore, including North Africa, Italy, and parts of Spain. Justinian's major achievements include the codification of Roman laws in what is now known as the Corpus Juris Civilis, a foundational work of modern civil law.

1. 1. 1. Struggles and Survival

Following Justinian's reign, the empire suffered numerous setbacks from both external invasions and internal discord. The 7th and 8th centuries saw the loss of Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and North Africa to the Arab conquests. However, the empire managed to defend its heartland against further Muslim expansion into Anatolia and the Balkans.

1. 1. 1. The Macedonian Renaissance

The Macedonian dynasty (867–1056) heralded a period of resurgence, which is often referred to as the "Macedonian Renaissance" in art and culture. During this era, the empire stabilized its borders, regained territories in the East, and experienced a revival in the arts and learning.

1. 1. 1. Decline and Fall

The empire entered a period of decline beginning in the late 11th century, marked by internal strife and repeated battles against invading forces, including the Crusaders and the advancing Turks. The fatal blow came in 1453 when Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks under Sultan Mehmed II. This event marked the end of the Eastern Roman Empire.

Government and Society

The Eastern Roman Empire was a theocratic autocracy headed by the Emperor, who wielded absolute political and religious authority. The Emperor was considered God's representative on Earth, and the state was closely intertwined with the Orthodox Church.

1. 1. 1. Economy

The economy of the Eastern Roman Empire was one of the most advanced in Europe and the Mediterranean for many centuries. It was largely based on agriculture but was also supported by a complex trade network that spanned the Mediterranean.

Culture

The cultural life of the Byzantine Empire was rich and sophisticated. Education was highly valued, and the preservation of classical learning was of utmost importance, influencing the Renaissance through the transmission of Greek and Roman knowledge to the West.

Legacy

The legacy of the Eastern Roman Empire is profound, influencing the laws, art, architecture, and religion of many modern states. Its unique position as a bridge between the East and West, its preservation of classical learning, and its role in the spread of Christianity all contribute to its lasting impact on world history.