THE byzantine empire
In 330, at the fall of the Roman Empire, Rome, the capital, was moved to the city Byzantium by Emperor Constantine I. The city was renamed New Rome but came to be known as Constantinople.
Because Constantinople was well situated, it served as a great capital. From there, the emperor could quickly send support to the provinces in the north along the Danube River. He could also easily send support to the eastern areas of Syria. These two regions were constantly being threatened. Because of its position along the Strait of Bosporus, it could also dominate important trade routes and block enemy ships from the Black Sea from attacking undefended cities in the Mediterranean Sea. The new capital was easy to defend, for it was surrounded by water on three sides, and fortified by a wall on the fourth side. (Ancient and Medieval Eras 2012)
In the year 395 C.E., emperor Theodosius I in died. This marked the end of the time were both parts of the Roman Empire were governed by a single ruler. A reason for this is the Germanic tribes along the Roman frontier constantly pressuring the empire. It proved impossible to direct the defense of the empire from one central location. For many years, both east and west areas were constantly attacked by various tribes. While the provinces of the Western Roman Empire, including Italy were conquered, the Eastern Roman Empire survived as an independent state. (Ancient and Medieval Eras 2012)
After escape from the barbarians the Eastern Roman Empire experienced a time of growth and prosperity. Under emperor Justinian I in 527, the East Roman Empire experienced high points in the power, extent of its borders.(Aldrete G. S., 2012)
The Byzantine Empire endured for more than a century while also preserving many Roman customs. In 1453 C.E. emperor Constantine XI died, marking the end of the Byzantine empire.
Because Constantinople was well situated, it served as a great capital. From there, the emperor could quickly send support to the provinces in the north along the Danube River. He could also easily send support to the eastern areas of Syria. These two regions were constantly being threatened. Because of its position along the Strait of Bosporus, it could also dominate important trade routes and block enemy ships from the Black Sea from attacking undefended cities in the Mediterranean Sea. The new capital was easy to defend, for it was surrounded by water on three sides, and fortified by a wall on the fourth side. (Ancient and Medieval Eras 2012)
In the year 395 C.E., emperor Theodosius I in died. This marked the end of the time were both parts of the Roman Empire were governed by a single ruler. A reason for this is the Germanic tribes along the Roman frontier constantly pressuring the empire. It proved impossible to direct the defense of the empire from one central location. For many years, both east and west areas were constantly attacked by various tribes. While the provinces of the Western Roman Empire, including Italy were conquered, the Eastern Roman Empire survived as an independent state. (Ancient and Medieval Eras 2012)
After escape from the barbarians the Eastern Roman Empire experienced a time of growth and prosperity. Under emperor Justinian I in 527, the East Roman Empire experienced high points in the power, extent of its borders.(Aldrete G. S., 2012)
The Byzantine Empire endured for more than a century while also preserving many Roman customs. In 1453 C.E. emperor Constantine XI died, marking the end of the Byzantine empire.
Citation
"The Rise of the Byzantine Empire (Overview)." World History: Ancient and Medieval Eras. ABC-CLIO, 2012. Web. 18 Dec. 2012.