The history of the Byzantine Empire extends from the 4th century until 1453. Like the eastern part of the Roman Empire that survived until 1453, the Eastern Roman Empire (called the "Byzantine Empire" since the German historian Hieronymus Wolf coined this term in 1557) It has its origins in the very foundation of Rome. Thus, the predominant feature of Byzantine history is the exceptional longevity of the empire, despite having faced innumerable challenges throughout its existence, as reflected by the large number of sieges suffered by its capital, Constantinople. The creation of this city by Constantine in 330 was a second starting point in the medieval stage of the Eastern Roman Empire, with the division into two parts of the Roman Empire in 395 by the Emperor Theodosius I the Great. Indeed, the location of Constantinople at the crossroads between East and West contributed, to a large extent, to the immense wealth of the Empire. This wealth along with its great prestige made it a respected empire, but also in a very coveted one. In addition, the wealth of imperial historical sources allows a global and detailed view of Byzantine history, although the impartiality of historians, often close to power, is sometimes questionable.
