Byzantine Empire: Eleven Centuries of Constantinople
For over a thousand years, the Greek-speaking Byzantine Empire ruled from Constantinople. Discover its emperors, sieges, faith and art, from the founding of the city to its fall in 1453.
Key Events of the Byzantine Empire
The Story of the Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire was the eastern Roman Empire, which survived for more than a thousand years after the fall of Rome in the west. It began in 330 AD, when Constantine the Great founded Constantinople as his new capital. The empire was Greek-speaking and Orthodox Christian, and under emperors such as Justinian it codified Roman law and built the great church of Hagia Sophia. Constantinople withstood sieges by Persians, Avars and Arabs, helped by its massive walls and the secret weapon known as Greek fire. Byzantine missionaries brought Christianity and an alphabet to the Slavs, while bitter disputes over icons and church authority led to the Great Schism of 1054 with Rome. From the 11th century, the empire faced growing pressure from the Seljuk Turks, Normans and Crusaders, and in 1204 the Fourth Crusade sacked Constantinople. Restored in 1261, the weakened empire finally fell to the Ottoman Turks on 29 May 1453, but its faith, art and learning still define Greek identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Byzantine Empire?
The Byzantine Empire was the eastern Roman Empire, ruled from Constantinople from 330 to 1453. It was Greek-speaking, Orthodox Christian and lasted over a thousand years.
Why is it called the Byzantine Empire?
The name comes from Byzantium, the old Greek city where Constantinople was built. Its people called themselves Romans, and the term Byzantine was popularized much later.
Was the Byzantine Empire Greek?
It was Roman in its laws and identity but Greek in language and culture. Greek became its official language in the 7th century, and Greeks see it as part of their heritage.
What were the greatest achievements of Byzantium?
Byzantium preserved ancient Greek learning, codified Roman law, built Hagia Sophia, spread Orthodox Christianity to the Slavs and developed a rich tradition of icons and art.
When did the Byzantine Empire end?
The empire ended when the Ottoman Turks captured Constantinople on 29 May 1453. The last Byzantine states, Mystras and Trebizond, fell in 1460 and 1461.
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