The Byzantine Empire

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Introduction
An empire is defined as a group of nations or countries governed by a single, powerful force; often an emperor or empress. The Byzantine Empire originally known as East-Roman Empire and also known as Byzantium, is an example of an influential civilization that significantly altered the past ways of living in order for societies today to develop in the manner that they have. The Byzantine Empire contained countless crucial elements that caused the civilization to be the intriguing society that it was. Politics were essential to the rise of the Byzantine Empire. The political structure was like that of the Romans and created much success for the Empire during its peak. Byzantium was a civilization with an economy that was successful and established around the world. The economy of the Byzantine Empire was largely assisted by trade and agriculture. Lastly, the social aspects of the empire were beneficial to future civilizations. By making the first step towards an Empire unified in the religion of Christianity, Byzantine was able to continue to develop the religion and began to shape it into the way it is known today. There were many empires throughout history with political, economic and societal achievements, Byzantium being one of them.

Political
Established in 330 CE due to the downfall and division of the Roman Empire, Byzantium had a political structure similar to that of its predecessor, with many unique interpretations. The capital city of Constantinople was the core of the Empire. The government, the army and the emperor all resided in the Empire’s capital (Explore Byzantium). The Empire was ruled by an autocracy, meaning the emperor had complete control of the entire society. This included all government o...

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...Often hidden by the history of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire is an important part to understanding the Mediterranean’s past.

Works Cited

"Everyday Life in Byzantium." . Macedonia Heritage, n.d. Web. 2 June 2014. .

"Explore Byzantium." . Explore Byzantium, 1 Jan. 2003. Web. 3 June 2014. .

Knox, Ellis L.. "The Byzantine Empire." ORB: The Online Reference Book for Medieval Studies. Ellis L. Knox, 1 Jan. 1999. Web. 4 June 2014. .

Lendering, Jona. "Byzantine Empire." Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia Limited, 28 Apr. 2011. Web. 25 May 2014. .

Sherrard, Philip. Great Ages of Man Byzantium. New York: Time Inc., 1966. Print.

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