The Byzantine Empire existed for almost 1,125 years and it is one of the greatest empires of all time. It began in 330 AD and lasted until 1461 AD. There were many leaders. It was called the Eastern Roman Empire. It spread Roman culture to Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and was the most powerful government in the Middle Ages. It was known to be one of the greatest empires of all time. (penfield.edu).Byzantine derives 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 point of transit and trade between Europe and Asia Minor. (history.com). The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful rulers in human history. (softschools.com)During the 4th century, the Roman world became increasingly Christian and the Byzantine Empire was certainly a Christian state. When Christianity was organized, five patriarchs, residing in Alexandria, Jerusalem, Antioch, Constantinople and Rome, led the Church. (former.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, with the start of the Crusades, the series of holy wars fought by the Western Christians against Muslims in the Near East since 1095 to 1291. (metmusem.org)In 330 AD, Roman Emperor Constantine I chose Byzantium as the site of a new Roman capital, Constantinople. Constantinople is midway between the Balkans and the Euphrates, but not far from the immense wealth and labor of Asia Minor, the vital part of the empire. Constantinople is located on a strait, it is extremely difficult to break through the defenses of the capital; in addition, the Eastern Empire had a much shorter outpost...... middle of paper...... the outpost held out until 1461, when it fell ultimately in 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 period. It was the most enduring empire in world history. Work CitedBrooks, Sarah. "Byzantium (c. 330-1453)". Timeline of Heilbrunn art history. Metropolitan Museum of Art, October 2001. Web. May 5, 2014. “Byzantine Empire.” History.com. A&E Television Networks, LLC. and Web. May 2, 2014. “Timeline of the Byzantine Empire.” Softschools.com. Softschools.com. May 5, 2014. “Emperor Justinian and the Byzantine Empire. » M. Giotto's online manual. School world. 2014. Livius, “Byzantine Empire” Ancient.eu.com. Encyclopedia of ancient history. April 28, 2011. Internet. May 5 2014.