Eastern Roman Empire Middle-Eastern empires

constantinople, situated on bosporus straits @ mouth of black sea, became capital of roman empire in 330 ad after constantine great, first christian emperor, refounded city of byzantium. although city called constantinople until fall, eastern roman empire became known classical name of byzantium, , city called old name well.

the city s status residence of eastern roman emperor made premier city in of eastern roman colonies in balkans, syria, jordan, israel, lebanon, cyprus, egypt, , part of present-day libya. indication of degree eastern empire not made greatest part of original romans, can seen in official languages of byzantines: greek, coptic, syriac , armenian, few christian priests speaking latin.

the sacking of rome visigoths , vandals, , de facto collapse of roman power in west, felt throughout eastern roman empire thunderclap. impossible had happened, power had held sway in known world had vanished.

due immense symbolism of rome, eastern roman emperors made 2 attempts recapture west, once ironically using romanized germans. use of germanic tribes such goths , vikings (in varangian guard in constantinople) major reason why eastern empire lasted long did.

surrounded huge walls, defenses erected romans @ height of power, , defended armies of germanic mercenaries, constantinople ended surviving city virtually besieged greater part of life, territories restricted direct area of city.