The Byzantine Identity

The fall of Constantinople on May 29, 1453, marked the end of an empire that many historians refer to as the Byzantine Empire, a term coined over a century later. Despite this label, the people of this empire identified strongly with their Roman heritage, a sentiment that persisted well into the 20th century. Interestingly, the name Romania still reflects this enduring legacy, highlighting the complex identity of a civilization that bridged cultures and eras.