The Byzantine Empire has existed for almost 1,125 years and is one of the largest empires of all time. It began in 330 AD and lasted until 1461 AD. It had many rulers. It was known as the Eastern Roman Empire. It spread Roman culture to Eastern Europe and the Middle East and was the most powerful government in the Middle Ages. It was known to be one of the largest empires of all time. (penfield.edu). Byzantine comes from Byzantium, an ancient Greek colony founded by a man named Byzas. The site of the Byzantine Empire was ideally located to serve as a transit and trade point between Europe and Asia Minor. (storia.com). The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful governments in the history of mankind. (softschools.com) During the 4th century the Roman world became increasingly Christian, and the Byzantine Empire was certainly a Christian state. As Christianity became organized, five patriarchs, residing in Alexandria, Jerusalem, Antioch, Constantinople, and Rome, led the church. (antica.eu.com). Christianity continued to be an important part of the Byzantine faith, spreading from Egypt to all parts of the empire: towards the end of the 11th century, the Crusades began, the series of holy wars waged by Western Christians against Muslims in the Near East from 1095 to 1291. (metmusem.org)In 330 AD the Roman emperor Constantine I chose Byzantium as the site of a new Roman capital, Constantinople. Constantinople is halfway between the Balkans and the Euphrates, but not too far from the immense riches and manpower of Asia Minor, the vital part of the empire. Constantinople is located on a strait, so it is extremely difficult to break through the capital's defenses; furthermore the Eastern Empire had a much shorter period...... middle of paper ......the outpost resisted until 1461, when it finally fell into the hands of the Turks. The Byzantine Empire and Roman rule were officially over. (softschools.com). The Byzantine Empire was very important to world history. Much of our art, music, and literature comes from this time period. It was the longest-lived empire in world history. Work Cited Brooks, Sarah. "Byzantium (ca. 330–1453)". Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History.Metropolitan Museum of Art, October 2001. Web. 5 May 2014. “Byzantine Empire.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, LLC. nd Web. May 2, 2014. "Chronology of the Byzantine Empire." Softschools.com. Softschools.com. May 5, 2014. “Emperor Justinian and the Byzantine Empire.” Mr. Giotto's online textbook. School world. 5 May 2014.Livy, “Byzantine Empire” Ancient.eu.com. Encyclopedia of Ancient History. April 28, 2011. Network. May 5 2014.