Byzantine Empire

The United States is looked at as a superpower that has lasted for hundreds of years, but this is a miniscule comparison to the Byzantine Empire, which lasted for almost 1100 years. Under Emperor Constantine, the Byzantine Empire flourished with an influx of trade and large amounts of efficacious conquest. The fortuitous location of the Byzantine Empire along with its military strategies and diplomatic policies facilitated its prosperity, while Western Europe was plunged into the Dark Ages by a plague of invaders, which led to Roman dominance of Eastern Europe throughout the middle Ages. Constantinople prospered greatly as a Mediterranean center of trade, religion, and culture due to its geographical blessing. “The city quickly rose in significance

“The land walls of Constantinople protected the western side of the city from land based attacks” (Kermeli). The Theodosia walls as well as a moat that ran 20 meters wide and seven meters deep were the first line of defense. The strategically built and placed defenses helped the Byzantine Empire receive no formidable invaders that could pose a threat. “A key factor in the defense of Constantinople was the secret weapon; Greek fire” (Kermeli). Greek fire, unlike any other ordinary fire, was a secret and vital weapon that could be burned on water and sent at enemies to devastate them. It contained petroleum and was pumped into bronze lion heads mounted on warships and shot at enemy vessels. No army was brave enough to take on Greek fire solely by the fact that a small amount could destroy thousands of

"In Sicily and throughout the Mediterranean, Byzantine arms were less successful, but, thanks to Photius’s diplomatic skill, the see of Constantinople maintained its position against Rome during the so-called Photian Schism" (“Byzantine Empire”). Photius’s skills as a diplomatic leader ensured a fewer amount of conflicts. The Byzantine Empire was able to save lots of money instead of going to war, which gave the empire more resources to develop trade. Above many other areas of potential focus, “Foreign relations and skillful diplomacy became of paramount importance for the Byzantines” (“Byzantine Empire”). The Byzantine Empire was put at a disadvantage due to their lack of arms. Many other empires such as the Turks and Ottomans had much more advanced weaponry, but the diplomatic and patient approach taken by Byzantine leaders facilitated their ability to get out of conflicts with no violence or money