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Byzantium (/ b ɪ ˈ z æ n t i ə m,-ʃ ə m /) or Byzantion (Ancient Greek: Βυζάντιον) was an ancient Thracian settlement and later a Greek city in classical antiquity that became known as Constantinople in late antiquity which is known as Istanbul today.
May 6, 2024 · The name refers to Byzantium, an ancient Greek colony and transit point that became the location of the Byzantine Empire’s capital city, Constantinople. Inhabitants of the Byzantine Empire would have self-identified as Romaioi, or Romans.
During most of its existence, the empire remained the most powerful economic, cultural, and military force in the Mediterranean world. The term "Byzantine Empire" was only coined following the empire's demise; its citizens referred to the polity as the "Roman Empire" and to themselves as "Romans".
Feb 21, 2013 · The ancient city of Byzantium was founded by Greek colonists from Megara around 657 BCE. According to the historian Tacitus, it was built on the European side of the Strait of Bosporus on the order of the “god of Delphi” who said to build “opposite the land of the blind”.
Aug 24, 2010 · The Byzantine Empire was a powerful nation, led by Justinian and other rulers, that carried the torch of civilization until the fall of its capital city Constantinople.
Sep 19, 2018 · The Byzantine Empire was the longest-lasting medieval power, and its influence continues today, especially in the religion, art, architecture, and laws of many Western states, Eastern and Central Europe, and Russia.
Despite the eventual recovery of Constantinople and re-establishment of the Empire in 1261, Byzantium remained only one of several small rival states in the area for the final two centuries of its existence.
