A History Of Byzantium -

Byzantium faced centuries of existential threats from Persians, Slavs, and the rise of Islam. Podcasting in Istanbul? - The History of Byzantium

: He codified Roman law into the Corpus Juris Civilis , but his reign was also marred by the devastating Plague of Justinian , which decimated the population. III. Survival and Transformation (610–1025 AD) A History of Byzantium

: Emperor Justinian I (r. 527–565) sought to reclaim the lost Western provinces, briefly retaking Italy, North Africa, and parts of Spain. This era marked the empire’s peak territorial reach

This era marked the empire’s peak territorial reach and cultural splendor. and Christian theology.

: Justinian commissioned the Hagia Sophia , a feat of engineering that remained the world’s largest cathedral for nearly a millennium.

: Unlike the pagan Rome of old, Byzantium was defined by its integration of Roman law, Greek culture, and Christian theology.

: Facing a Crisis of the Third Century , Emperor Diocletian divided the Roman Empire into East and West to make it more governable.