Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, was founded on the basis of the ancient Greek city of Byzantium, hence its name. Byzantine Empire refers to the Eastern Roman Empire. After 12 dynasties and 93 emperors, it is the oldest monarchy in European history. In order to distinguish the ancient Roman Empire from the holy Roman Empire in the Middle Ages, historians in Western Europe introduced the name Byzantine Empire.

Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, was founded on the basis of the ancient Greek city of Byzantium, hence its name. Byzantine Empire refers to the Eastern Roman Empire. After 12 dynasties and 93 emperors, it is the oldest monarchy in European history. In order to distinguish the ancient Roman Empire from the holy Roman Empire in the Middle Ages, historians in Western Europe introduced the name Byzantine Empire.