Byzantine & Christian Anatolia (330–1453): A Thousand Yea...

✓ Last reviewed: May 2026 — Verified and updated by our licensed Turkey travel experts. Prices, opening hours and visa rules reflect the latest 2026 guidance. As part of our commitment to exploring Türkiye's deep past, this article continues our epic reverse-chronology journey; you can explore the full History of Türkiye series to see where this story fits. Quick Answer: The Byzantine Empire, or Eastern Roman Empire, was a Christian civilisation centred on its capital of Constantinople (modern Istanbul) that thrived in Anatolia from 330 to 1453 AD . Founded by Emperor Constantine the Great, its legacy in modern Türkiye is defined by monumental achievements like the construction of Hagia Sophia in 537 AD , the establishment of Christian doctrine at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD , and the otherworldly Cappadocia rock churches , lasting until the final fall of Constantinople in 1453 . What Was the Byzantine Empire in Anatolia? Before we dive in, let’s clarify a name. The people we call "Byzantines" never used that term; they called themselves Rhomaioi , or Romans. The "Byzantine Empire" is a later invention by historians to distinguish the medieval, Greek-speaking, Christian Eastern Roman Empire from its Latin-speaking, pagan predecessor. For over a thousand years, this empire was the continuation of Rome, with its heart beating in two places: the magnificent capital of Constantinople and the vast, resource-rich peninsula of Anatolia—the landmass of modern Türkiye. This era, stretching from late antiquity through the entire medieval period, connects the world of Roman Caesars to the dawn of the Renaissance. It was a time of profound transformation, where Roman administrative genius merged with Greek culture and Christian faith to create a unique and resilient civilisation. The empire's story is one of glorious golden ages, theological debates that shaped Christianity forever, brutal sieges, and a cultural legacy that still astonishes visitors to Türkiye today. This p