The Byzantine Empire

Introduction

In 324 the Roman Emperor Constantine was very concerned about the barbarian invasions, which were literally at the gates of Rome. So Constantine moved the Empire’s capital to a little known Greek colony called Byzance.

As the Western Empire fell apart and disappeared in 476, the Eastern Empire based in Byzance or Constantinople survived until 1453. Byzance became the great city of Constantinople. The Eastern Empire or Byzantium founded a rich culture based on Greek traditions and Christianity. Byzantium has also left us its own story thanks to one of its greatest writers, the historian Anna Comnena, the daughter of the emperor Alexius.

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© Shirley Burchill, Chris Green, Mathew Hill, Nigel Hughes and Antony McDermott 2009

Footnote : As far as the Open Door team can ascertain the image shown on this page is in the Public Domain.