Changes

of [[Byzantium]], which is now known as [[Istanbul]].  The center of Orthodox Christianity, it is famous as well for its art and culture.

of [[Byzantium]], which is now known as [[Istanbul]].  The center of Orthodox Christianity, it is famous as well for its art and culture.

The inhabitants of the empire referred to themselves as "Romans" and considered themselves as such, the term "Byzantine" not being used to describe the empire and its peoples until the seventeenth century, but after the seventh century, the language of empire changed from Latin to Greek. The Byzantine Emperor was also universally recognized as the sole Roman Emperor from AD 480 to AD 800.

The inhabitants of the empire referred to themselves as "Romans" and considered themselves as such, the term "Byzantine" not being used to describe the empire and its peoples until the seventeenth century, but after the seventh century, the official language of empire changed from Latin to Greek during the reign of Heraclius who changed the official language. The Byzantine Emperor was also universally recognized as the sole Roman Emperor from AD 480 to AD 800.

[[File:Byz-army.jpg|thumb|250px]]

[[File:Byz-army.jpg|thumb|250px]]