The Byzantine Empire (395 - 1453 AD), also called the Eastern Roman Empire, was established by the division of the Roman Empire in 395. In this year, Honorius became emperor in the territories east of the Balkans, while Arcadius became emperor in the west. The Western Roman Empire officially collapsed in 476, and the Byzantine Empire endured over 1000 years.  

Emperor Constantinus I moved the seat of the empire to the ancient Greek city of Byzantion, and named the city Constantinopolis, meaning “Constantine’s city”. He brought senators and high level officials from Rome to establish a new administration, and he reconstructed the city and developed public facilities. Having also converted to Christianity, he made Constantinopolis a Christian city.

Emperor Justinian I (527–565) reconquered Northern Africa, Italy and Eastern Spain during his long rule, and secured the eastern territories. He also made considerable reforms in various areas, the most important of which was his codification of Roman Law, which is generally accepted as having had a direct effect on the evolution of jurisprudence. This was the result of a lengthy study carried out by a commission known as Corpus Luris Civilis (Codes of Civil Law), which is the basis of contemporary European Law.  

The Byzantine Empire had its golden age during the rule of the Macedonian Dynasty (867–1056). Basileus I reconquered territories in Anatolia and the legal system was reorganized. Nikephoros Phokas II took over Crete and Cyprus, and further expanded the Empire by conquering new lands in Syria and the Balkans...

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