Byzantines

The Byzantines were the inhabitants of the Byzantine Empire, which lasted from approximately 330 AD to 1453 AD. This empire emerged from the eastern part of the Roman Empire, centered in the city of Constantinople (now Istanbul). Known for its rich culture, art, and scholarship, the Byzantines preserved much of Roman and Greek knowledge. They were also influential in Christianity, serving as a bridge between East and West. The empire was characterized by a strong central government, unique architecture (like the Hagia Sophia), and complex bureaucracy. It ultimately fell to the Ottoman Turks, marking the end of the medieval era.