Changes

The Empire was often at war with at least one foreign power and as a result, its borders fluctuated greatly over time. However, other than the period 1204 to 1261, the Empire was always centred in [[Constantinople]].   

The Empire was often at war with at least one foreign power and as a result, its borders fluctuated greatly over time. However, other than the period 1204 to 1261, the Empire was always centred in [[Constantinople]].   

While taking on offensive position to "reunite" with the west under Justinian in the 500's, for the most part the position of the Empire was defensive in nature, having little desire, or for the most part, ability, to increase its borders.  For years the cultured Byzantine Empire was the protector of Dark Age Europe, repelling first the fire worshiping Persians then Islamic armies that sought to stretch to control lands from Morocco to India via Hungary. This didn't stop the Western forces of the Fourth Crusade sacking Constantinople in 1204 and setting up their own "Latin" Empire, so called because of their attempts to make Latin the official language of the Empire rather than Greek, which lasted until the Byzantine reinstatement in 1261.On their arrival in Canstantinople, the Latins, mostly Franks and Ventians, were astonished at the power and positions held by "Eurochs" - men who, as children, had been castigated so that they would have no children and hence be no threat to the ruling Imperial dynasty.

While taking on offensive position to "reunite" with the west under Justinian in the 500's, for the most part the position of the Empire was defensive in nature, having little desire, or for the most part, ability, to increase its borders.  For years the cultured Byzantine Empire was the protector of Dark Age Europe, repelling Islamic armies that would stretch to control lands from Morocco to India via Hungary. This didn't stop the Western forces of the Fourth Crusade sacking Constantinople in 1204 and setting up their own "Latin" Empire, so called because of their attempts to make Latin the official language of the Empire rather than Greek, which lasted until the Byzantine reinstatement in 1261.On their arrival in Canstantinople, the Latins, mostly Franks and Ventians, were astonished at the power and positions held by "Eurochs" - men who, as children, had been castigated so that they would have no children and hence be no threat to the ruling Imperial dynasty.