What do Plato, Aristotle, mosaics and icons have in common? They are all important parts of Byzantine culture, which spanned more than 1,000 years, from the fall of Rome to the decline of the Byzantine Empire. The Byzantines were important facilitators of the Renaissance. The Byzantines preserved Greek and Roman traditions and created many of their own, which would have a great impact during the Renaissance. Byzantine culture begins with the establishment of the city of Constantinople by Emperor Constantine in 330 AD. Some historians consider this to be the beginning of Byzantium, the term for the Eastern Roman Empire. Other historians argue that Byzantium was not established until after the fall of the Western Empire in 476 (Loverance 6). The Byzantines continued many Roman traditions, but over time Byzantine culture became increasingly distant from that of the Romans. During the period following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Europe experienced a period known as the Dark Ages. During this period, much of the knowledge acquired was lost. Political control was transferred to barbarian invaders, such as the Goths, Vandals and Huns. These groups destroyed many buildings and works of art that existed during the time of the Roman Empire. Most people were illiterate and much of the knowledge previously acquired was lost ("The Dark Ages"). However, arts and learning still flourished in the East. Architecture is an important aspect of Byzantine culture. One of the most famous Byzantine architectural achievements is the Hagia Sophia, located in present-day Istanbul. The basic design of the cathedral features a dome on a square base, which required further innovation. At the time, we knew...... middle of paper...... Thoreau. Broomall, PA: Chelsea House Publishers, 2003. Print. Fender, Stephen. Introduction. Walden. By Henry David Thoreau. New York: University of Oxford. Press, 1997. Print. Goodman, Russell. "Transcendentalism." March 7, 2011. The web. February 20, 2013. “Henry David Thoreau.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Nd Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Internet. February 20, 2013 “Henry David Thoreau”. Poetry Foundation, nd Web. February 24, 2013.Reiley, Stephanie. “Number 10 – Why a small house? » July 27, 2009. the web. March 2, 2013Richardson, Robert D. “The Walden Ripple Effect.” Smithsonian Magazine. Smithsonian Institute, August 2004. Web. February 21, 2013 Spencer, Dan. “Ready to board.” August 20, 2011. The web. March 3, 2013 Thoreau, Henry David. Walden. Ed. Stéphane Fender. New York: University of Oxford. Press, 1997. Print. Witherell, Elizabeth and Elizabeth Dubrulle. “The Life and Times of Henry David Thoreau.” 1995. Internet. February 20. 2013.