Byzantine Empire
RegionTurkey/Balkans
Period330-1453
Peak Size2.8 million km2 at peak
Founded ByConstantine I
About Byzantine Empire
The eastern half of the Roman Empire that survived 1,000 years longer. Preserved Greek and Roman knowledge through the Dark Ages. Justinian built the Hagia Sophia, the largest cathedral for 1,000 years. Created the Corpus Juris Civilis, the basis of Western law. Finally fell to the Ottoman Turks on May 29, 1453.