Responses (2)
FROM the Caucasus to the Atlantic, from the Crimea to Sinai, from the Danube to the Sahara—that was the realm of the Byzantine Empire at its peak. Many historians say that it lasted from the 4th century to the 15th century C.E. It was an empire that not only preserved the Greco-Roman culture but also had much to do with the spread of so-called Christianity. It was the creator and codifier of political, social, and religious practices that have remained vibrant down to this day.
The Byzantine Empire was a continuation of the Roman Empire in the East. Its date of birth remains debated. Some historians view Diocletian (c. 245–c. 316 C.E.) as the first Byzantine emperor; others Constantine the Great (c. 275-337 C.E.); and still others Justinian I (483-565 C.E.)
Political winds began taking their toll. In the seventh century, Slavic invasions of the Balkans and Lombard conquests in Italy drove a wedge between Rome and Constantinople. Such pressure led to the inevitable demise of the empire.
Rome, deprived of imperial support, linked its fortunes to the rising Germanic West. Constantinople’s shrinking empire became increasingly Greek.
The Roman Empire is permanently divided into East and West.
The Byzantine Empire had fallen. But its influence remains to this day.
The Bible book of Daniel chapter 2:31-44 gives us a detailed explanation of the succession of governments (Kingdoms) that would rule down to our day, the 21 century and what the results would be. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 details the events of what would happen as a result of the completion of that dream.
jw.org for more information on this subject.