Changes

The '''Byzantine Empire''' is the name given to the eastern part of the [[Roman Empire]], which survived until well into the [[Middle Ages]].  First split into an Eastern and Western divisions by [[Diocletian]] in 293, the Eastern Empire went on to outlive its Western half, which fell in 476 AD, by 1000 years. Founded by the Emperor [[Constantine]] in 330 in the city of Constantinople, the empire was multi-ethnic and predominantly Greek-speaking.  The empire's heritage consisted of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]], [[Greek]] philosophy,[[Greek]] language, Byzantine Art and Architecture and Roman law.  While western Europe struggled through the dark ages, the Byzantine Empire kept up an aura of refinement and defensive strength that sheltered Europe from the attacks of [[Islam]].   

The '''Byzantine Empire''' is the name given to the eastern part of the [[Roman Empire]], which survived until well into the [[Middle Ages]].  First split into an Eastern and Western divisions by [[Diocletian]] in 293, the Eastern Empire went on to outlive its Western half, which fell in 476 AD, by 1000 years. Founded by the Emperor [[Constantine]] in 330 in the city of Constantinople, the empire was multi-ethnic and predominantly Greek-speaking.  The empire's heritage consisted of the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]], [[Greek]] philosophy,[[Greek]] language, Byzantine Art and Architecture and Roman law.  While western Europe struggled through the dark ages, the Byzantine Empire kept up an aura of refinement and defensive strength that sheltered Europe from the attacks of first the Persian Empire, then [Islam]].   

Constantine legalized Christianity and put an end to 300 years of Christian persecution in the Empire and his son [[Constantius]] (337-361) continued to follow in his father's footsteps.  But [[Julian]], Constantius' scholarly cousin who Constantius helped to rise to prominence, usurped the Emperorship; Constantius died on the way to meet Julian in battle and Julian became sole ruler.  Immediately he renounced Christianity and embraced paganism.  He became known to the Christian Church and history as "Julian the Apostate" (361 - 363).  He went so far as to outlaw Christianity but upon his death, it was reintroduced by his sucessor, the Emperor [[Jovial]].  

Constantine legalized Christianity and put an end to 300 years of Christian persecution in the Empire and his son [[Constantius]] (337-361) continued to follow in his father's footsteps.  But [[Julian]], Constantius' scholarly cousin who Constantius helped to rise to prominence, usurped the Emperorship; Constantius died on the way to meet Julian in battle and Julian became sole ruler.  Immediately he renounced Christianity and embraced paganism.  He became known to the Christian Church and history as "Julian the Apostate" (361 - 363).  He went so far as to outlaw Christianity but upon his death, it was reintroduced by his sucessor, the Emperor [[Jovial]].