Bysanttiin

Bysanttiin is a term often used to refer to the Byzantine Empire, also known as Eastern Roman Empire. This state was the continuation of the Roman Empire in its eastern provinces during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Its capital city was Constantinople, which became a major center of culture, trade, and religion. The empire's territory fluctuated significantly over its long history, at times encompassing parts of Italy, North Africa, the Levant, and the Balkans.

The Byzantine Empire preserved Roman legal traditions and Greek culture. It played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity, developing its own distinct Eastern Orthodox tradition. Its art and architecture, characterized by intricate mosaics and domed churches, had a lasting impact on medieval Europe and the Islamic world. The empire faced numerous challenges from various invaders, including Persians, Arabs, Bulgars, and Turks, but it persisted for over a thousand years, finally falling to the Ottoman Turks in 1453. The legacy of Byzantium continues to influence the cultures and Orthodox Christian traditions of Eastern Europe and the Middle East.