I. Created out of the Eastern half of the Roman Empire. After the fall of Rome in the west was able to last another 1,000 years.

Byzantine had Political, Social and Economic strengths that Rome in the west did not have. Rome in the west was so weakened it was open to outside invaders like the huns.

3. Political Strengths -autocratic-auto means self so they were self ruled. One person ruled. This person made the decisions therefor the government was highly centralized. They had a large contingency (or bureaucracy) of trained officials who did not take graft or bribes because they were paid well and could be removed immediately by the ruler. These buraucrates included skillful diplomats. The diplomats negotiated with Kiev and other surrounding areas to maintain peaceful relationships and allow trade to continue.

4. Economic Strengths -wealth based on agriculture, manufacturing, trade. They had a diversified economy. Located on crossroads of trade between Europe and Asia. The autocratic (centralized)government regulated manufacturing and trade to produce large tax revenues.

5. Military Strengths -Good defenses-frontier, infantry, calvary and engineering corps to defend the empire. Increased the moral by providing medical services and rewarding the soldier with land. Tecniques were improved by developing manuals and military schools. Good intelligence system because outside governmental officials bribed and Good navy-they used ships that could outmanuover . Also developed new technique called "greek fire"

6. Because of their strengths were able to preserve the Roman laws and build onto them in the Justinian Code. They were also able to establish great structures like Hagia Sophia.