Byzantine Empire
Definition
The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, was a continuation of the Roman Empire in its eastern provinces during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. It existed from 330 to 1453 AD.
Analogy
Think of the Byzantine Empire like a sequel to your favorite movie. Even though it's technically part of the same franchise (the Roman Empire), it has its own unique characters, plot twists (like religious controversies and wars), and even a different setting (based in Constantinople instead of Rome).
Related terms
Eastern Orthodox Church: The primary Christian church within the Byzantine Empire that split from Western Christianity during the Great Schism.
Justinian Code: A collection of laws and legal interpretations developed under the sponsorship of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I.
Hagia Sophia: An architectural masterpiece built in Constantinople during the Byzantine empire, originally as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral.
"Byzantine Empire" appears in:
Subjects (2)
Practice Questions (2)
- What potential consequences might have resulted if the Byzantine Empire had successfully repelled the Ottoman invasion during the period of 1200-1450?
- How did cultural intermingling along Silk Roads impact Byzantine Empire differently than Roman Empire?
Resources
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