The Byzantine Empire essentially was a continuation of the eastern portion of the Roman Empire. Its capital Constantiple was founded by the Roman emperor Constantine the Great in 324 AD. Throughout its existence after the Western Roman Empire fell, the borders of Byzantine grew and shrunk until 1453 when the Ottoman Turks struck its final blow by defeating the Byzantine forces and conquering its city. To more than millennia is no small feat for any empire in history. In its history, it had to face off against the Goths, Persians, Arabs, Turks, Slaves, Bulgars, Vikings, and at one point from the Crusaders. But the Byzantine Empire did eventually fall.
If you have ever committed a crime, be thankful that you only get to sit in perpetual time out for it.
Throughout grade school, high school and on into college I learned that science and technology sprang into being in late medieval Europe and really took off during the Renaissance. You probably did too. Having been a Contrarian from early childhood though, I suspected this was not true. And sure...
The Roman Empire at its greatest extent, engulfed the entire Midterrian Sea. It was one of the most powerful economic, cultural, military forces in the world. At its height it covered over five million square feet in kilometers and over a population of about 70 million. They were the founders of many modern cities and built long roads to connect them across the empire. But every empire that has its time in the sun also has to see the sun set. Some argue the Roman Empire fell in 476 AD when the last emperor was removed from power, but almost everyone agrees the final decline happened around the late 5th century. The gradual decline began over a course of a few centuries. Here are 4 main reasons why the Empire faded into the history books
Sophonisba--the beautiful and beguiling daughter of Carthage--made kingdoms and broke hearts in her struggle to save Carthage from destruction by Rome. Sired by a general, betrothed to a prince, married to a king and dying by her own hand, Sophonisba has continued to captivate writers, poets and artists for over two thousand years. She remains a femme fatale for the ages.
Bog bodies are fascinating naturally mummified bodies found in northern Europe. They give insight into the lives and deaths of the individuals, and of their society at large. The bog body preservation process is discussed. Details on the lives and deaths of famous bog bodies is also covered.
Ancient Grecian fashion has influenced fashion throughout the decades with its simplicity and elegance. The clothing styles of men and women at the time are discussed, along with the differences in clothing amongst various Grecians.
The thunder god of Germanic mythology, Thor wielded a weapon worthy of his title: an indestructible thunderbolt with power to wage war and raise the dead. This mythic weapon was prized by the gods and represented their sole effective defense against powerful enemies.
Many of the gods and goddesses of mythology wield powerful items capable of inflicting unimaginable destruction. These relics often have a story tied to their manufacture, discovery, recovery, or irresponsible use. Let me introduce you to one of these weapons: Gungnir, the indestructible, unerring spear wielded by Odin, father of the Norse pantheon.
An overview of the life, accomplishments, and legacy of Sargon of Akkad.
A short biography of an ancient king who kept the Romans at bay for 30 years.
Friday the 13th came and went again just a few days ago, and chances are a good few of you stayed indoors (if your jobs allowed you the day off) for fear of incurring its wrath. The date has become a bit of a superstition over the centuries,...
The Seven Wonders Of The Ancient World are fairly mysterious and incredibly interesting. Only one is still standing, with the details of the rest only found in archaeological studies and ancient history books.
What objects, processes and strategies did the Olmec culture use to influence or dominate virtually all of Mexico? The Pre-classic is a time defined when farming based on maize, beans, and squash was an effective way of living for the local Olmec culture. A stable diet helped the growth of the culture and the ability to store food for use during times of drought and the off-season helped...
The probable reasons for the rise of Teotihuacan and why the ideas of central place, trade, hegemony, and manipulation of religious objects were important.
The role of religion is compared throughout the ancient civilizations of Greece, Egypt, and Sumer
Man's journey from a lumpy, irregular, non-straight world to our modern world of straight lines, right angles, flat surfaces, and mathematically regular curves is bound to provoke the naturally curious mind.
The tragic history of the end of a great empire - and a genocide many have forgotten
Why Moctezuma rejected the advice of fellow Aztecs and received Cortes as a friend and welcome guest instead of an enemy.
Caligula (12 AD - 41 AD) was probably one of the most strage figures in the history of the Roman Empire, ruling from 37 AD to his death in 41 AD. The stories and the legends created around him have spanned ever since he got on the throne, and haven't stopped since. This article sets itself to present some of the aspects in the Roman emperor's life and rule.