how did the byzantine empire differ from the roman empire
The Byzantine Empire differed from the Roman Empire in several ways:
1. The Byzantine Empire was a continuation of the Eastern Roman Empire after the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD. It was centered around the city of Constantinople (formerly Byzantium), while the Roman Empire was centered in Rome.
2. The Byzantine Empire was predominantly Greek-speaking and influenced by Greek culture, while the Roman Empire was Latin-speaking and influenced by Roman culture.
3. The Byzantine Empire had a strong centralized government with a powerful emperor, while the Roman Empire saw the rise of powerful generals and military leaders who often usurped the throne.
4. The Byzantine Empire had a strong Christian identity, with the Emperor often seen as the head of the church as well as the state. The Roman Empire, on the other hand, was initially pagan before converting to Christianity in the 4th century.
5. The Byzantine Empire had a sophisticated bureaucracy and a system of law known as Justinian's Code, which consolidated and codified Roman law. The Roman Empire also had a complex legal system, but it was not as centralized or well-organized.
Overall, the Byzantine Empire was a continuation and adaptation of the Roman Empire, with a strong focus on Christianity, Greek culture, and centralized government.