The History of Byzantium

Episode 1a – An Introduction to Byzantine History

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May 2, 2012
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INSIGHT

Crisis and Transformation

  • The Crisis of the Third Century, marked by plague, military disasters, and political coups, transformed the Roman Empire.
  • Diocletian and Constantine's reforms, like splitting the empire and establishing a new capital, laid the groundwork for the Byzantine state.
INSIGHT

Shifting Power Dynamics

  • Wealthy Romans' decreased political participation and the rise of Christianity significantly impacted the empire's social and political landscape.
  • People shifted from civic engagement to religious gatherings, changing the power dynamics.
INSIGHT

Constantinople's Rise

  • Constantine established Constantinople as the new capital due to its strategic location and to create a center for Christian worship.
  • This move marked a turning point, leading to the division of the empire and the rise of the Byzantine Empire.
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