Classical Antiquity
Eastern Roman Empire
395 AD – 476 AD · peak 476 AD
The Eastern Roman Empire began as the Pars Orientis in Theodosius' division of AD 395, with its capital at Constantinople. Stronger finances, the natural defenses of the Bosporus, and Greco-Roman administrative continuity allowed it to survive the western collapse. It evolved into the Byzantine Empire and remained a major Mediterranean power until Constantinople fell in 1453.
Capital: Constantinople
Battles in this period
Trade routes in use
- Amber Road (1500 BC – 500 AD)
- Incense Route (1000 BC – 400 AD)
- Alexandria–Rome Grain Route (30 BC – 400 AD)
- Silk Road (130 BC – 1450 AD)