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Perhaps no other epoch in history is so unique, extensive and yet, as much forgotten as that of the Byzantine Eastern Roman Empire. From the founding of its new capitol in Constantinople, 330 AD to its final fall to the Turk invaders in 1453 AD, over eleven hundred years of history has virtually been lost in most minds of the Western world. Ironically, it is this exact history that has extensively shaped the Western cultures today, especially those of the Christian faith.
No event in Western history was probably more pivotal than that of the Christian conversion of the Roman emperor Constantine I. Up to that time, Christians were heavily persecuted by many of the previous emperors and the religion was outlawed. That would all change in 324 AD with a miraculous military victory and subsequent conversion to Christianity by Constantine I at the Milvian Bridge. From this point on, Christianity became the official religion of the Empire. A new capitol was established in Constantinople (present day Istanbul, Turkey) and power was fully transferred from Rome to Constantinople in 476 AD. It was not the end of the Roman Empire but a continuation and fascinating transformation of Roman rule that would last for another one thousand years!
In the early years of the 6th and 7th centuries AD, everyday imagery continues in the tradition of Classic Rome regarding portraiture and personifications. Over time, the imagery becomes increasingly religious. Previous Roman personifications took on new Christian symbolism. Nike, the flying god of victory, now was an angel. The globe, which was previous depicted in the emperor's hand symbolized the ruler's dominion over the world. The new addition of a cross on top of the globe now represented the emperor's position as leader of both, church and state.
After the period of Iconoclasm, nearly all coins minted were exclusively religious. This concept of minimal to no promotion of the ruling emperor on his coins was completely contrary to what coinage meant for the Roman Empire before Constantine's conversion. After all, Rome's initial and ONLY message on its coins for the entire duration leading up to this conversion was specifically to promote the emperor and state.
One of the most impressive treasures of Byzantium is the main Christian church that was built there in the sixth century by Emperor Justinian. After previous calamities with earlier structures, Justinian ordered the construction of a new church which was to surpass in magnificence all earlier churches and be unlike anything the world had ever seen. Historians write that he personally supervised the construction and made full use of all his empire could offer. The two most famous architects of the time were entrusted with the construction of the building which involved one hundred master builders and ten thousand laborers.
Another well-known remnant of the Byzantine Period is the stunning and unique art of the religious Icons. This abstract spiritual style can be immediately recognized and is evident in not only paintings and mosaics but also the era's architecture and coins. What was once thought of as crude numismatic issues are now appreciated as highly stylized symbols of the Romans' devout faith.
After the establishment of Constantinople as the new capitol and navel of the Roman world, the Empire continued for almost a millennium eventually bridging ancient and medieval history but not without its share of enemies. Numerous challenges of foreign armies took its toll on defenses and finally, on May 29, 1453 AD, the Muslim Ottomans overran the crumbling city walls and the sun set forever on the greatest empire that the ancient world had ever known.