Byzantium (Eastern Roman Empire)

Byzantium, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, was the continuation of the Roman Empire in the eastern Mediterranean after the fall of the western part in 476 AD. Its capital was Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), a major hub for trade, culture, and politics. The Byzantines preserved Roman laws, Christian Christianity, and classical learning for nearly a thousand years until its fall in 1453. It was characterized by a strong centralized government, impressive architecture like the Hagia Sophia, and a rich blend of Greek, Roman, and Christian influences, serving as a bridge between ancient and medieval worlds.