Identity Determines Survival

The resilience of Constantinople for over a millennium can be attributed to its core identity, self-belief, and the unifying influence of the Orthodox Christian faith. The lack of comprehension regarding these elements in Western Europe stems from a desire among new empires to position themselves as the true heirs of Rome, thereby diminishing the legitimacy of Byzantium. This historical context sheds light on the disdain directed towards Byzantium, which may have overlooked the complex realities within the Byzantine court.