10 facts to describe the byzantine empire.

1) Byzantine art is almost entirely focused on religion.

2) The official language of the Byzantine Empire was Latin until 700 CE
when it was changed to Greek by Emperor Heraclius.
3) Constantinople was attacked and plundered by the Crusaders
during the Fourth Crusade.
4) The emperor often paid gold or a tribute to enemies to keep them
from attacking.
5) Emperor Justinian granted the rights of women to buy and own land
which was a big help to widows after their husbands had died.
6) From the time of the early Roman Republic to the fall of the Byzantine
Empire, Roman rule had a major impact on Europe for nearly 2000
years.
7) The city of Constantinople is called Istanbul today and is the largest
city in the country of Turkey
8) Throughout much of the Middle Ages the Byzantium Empire fought
the Muslims for control of the eastern Mediterranean.
9) The peak of the Byzantine Empire occurred during the Justinian
Dynasty.
10) In 527 Justinian I became Emperor.

Illustrations