Byzantine Empire

Category: Ancient & Medieval History / World History

UPSC Notes & Key Pointers

  • The Byzantine Empire was the eastern continuation of the Roman Empire.

  • Its capital was Constantinople, present-day Istanbul.

  • It survived for roughly a millennium after the decline of the Western Roman Empire.

  • Greek language and Orthodox Christianity became major features of Byzantine civilisation.

  • Emperor Justinian I is associated with territorial expansion and the codification of Roman law.

  • The empire ended with the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

  • Prelims Focus: Constantinople, Justinian, Orthodox Christianity and 1453.