Byzatine Empire

The Byzantine Empire was a continuation of the Roman Empire in the eastern Mediterranean, lasting from about 330 AD until 1453. Centered in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), it became a hub of trade, culture, and Christianity. The Byzantines preserved and expanded upon Roman law and Greek philosophy while developing their own distinct art and architecture, notably the Hagia Sophia. The empire faced challenges from external forces, such as invasions and the rise of Islam. Ultimately, it fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, marking the end of a crucial era in history that influenced Europe and the Middle East.