Explore the dramatic history of the Byzantine Empire from its Roman roots to its fall in 1453. This course offers a concise yet penetrating look at an empire that shaped both Europe and the Islamic world.
Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
This course provides an overview of the Byzantine Empire, the eastern half of the Roman Empire that endured for a thousand years after the fall of Rome. It examines political, religious, and military developments, with a focus on key moments such as the reign of Justinian, the Iconoclastic Controversy, and the fall of Constantinople. The course also assesses Byzantium’s impact on the West, Islam, and the Orthodox world.
What will we cover?
The transformation of the Eastern Roman Empire
Justinian and the reconquest of the West
The Iconoclastic Controversy
The rise of Islam and Byzantine responses
The Byzantine recovery and its apogee
Decline and the fall of Constantinople
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Evaluate the transformation from Roman to Byzantine institutions
Assess Justinian’s military and legal achievements
Explain the theological and political dimensions of iconoclasm
Analyse the Empire’s fluctuating relations with Islam
Trace the patterns of recovery and decline in the later Empire
Discuss the significance of the 1204 sack and 1453 fall of Constantinople
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for complete beginners and those with a curiosity about the topic.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
The course will be taught via a series of lectures.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
No. Pen and paper if you wish to take notes.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
You may wish to join Sean for his next course on the Crusades.
Sean has been teaching Greek, Latin, and History for over thirty-five years. He has taught in England, America, Europe, and Asia, working with students of all ages and backgrounds. Despite all this, he remains as captivated by the Ancient World as when, aged seven, he first stumbled across a retelling of the Iliad and Odyssey. Alongside his teaching, he has published over forty books, including translations, textbooks, and historical fiction. He is, by general agreement, a rather good second-rate novelist — which is not a bad thing to be.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/the-byzantine-empire180113The Byzantine Empirehttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/history-epidemics-HHS06-1024.jpg189189GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Italian season/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/The Middle East & North Africa/Courses/Online courses22851177184011781356017311228511771178<p>Explore the dramatic history of the Byzantine Empire from its Roman roots to its fall in 1453. This course offers a concise yet penetrating look at an empire that shaped both Europe and the Islamic world.</p> Between 330 AD and 1453, Constantinople (modern Istanbul) was the capital of the Roman Empire, otherwise known as the Later Roman Empire, the Eastern Roman Empire, the Mediaeval Roman Empire, or The Byzantine Empire. For most of this time, it was the largest and richest city in Christendom. The territories of which it was the central capital enjoyed better protections of life, liberty and property, and a higher standard of living, than any other Christian territory, and usually compared favourably with the neighbouring and rival Islamic empires.<br />
The purpose of this course is to give an overview of Byzantine history, from the refoundation of the City by Constantine the Great to its final capture by the Turks. <br />
<br />
This is a live online course. You will need:<br />
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.<br />
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.<br />
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.<br />
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.34.73031105The Byzantine Empire189189https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/history-epidemics-HHS06-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeMonOnlineAvailable courses5-10 weeksWeekday2026-10-05T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allOct 2026Culture, history & humanitiesHWH233189189The Byzantine Empire151123189Sean Gabbthe-byzantine-empire/hwh233-2627<p>Explore the dramatic history of the Byzantine Empire from its Roman roots to its fall in 1453. This course offers a concise yet penetrating look at an empire that shaped both Europe and the Islamic world.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-05 00:00:00<p>This course provides an overview of the Byzantine Empire, the eastern half of the Roman Empire that endured for a thousand years after the fall of Rome. It examines political, religious, and military developments, with a focus on key moments such as the reign of Justinian, the Iconoclastic Controversy, and the fall of Constantinople. The course also assesses Byzantium’s impact on the West, Islam, and the Orthodox world.</p><p>Explore the dramatic history of the Byzantine Empire from its Roman roots to its fall in 1453. This course offers a concise yet penetrating look at an empire that shaped both Europe and the Islamic world.</p><ul><li>The transformation of the Eastern Roman Empire</li></ul><ul><li>Justinian and the reconquest of the West</li></ul><ul><li>The Iconoclastic Controversy</li></ul><ul><li>The rise of Islam and Byzantine responses</li></ul><ul><li>The Byzantine recovery and its apogee</li></ul><ul><li>Decline and the fall of Constantinople</li></ul><ul><li>Evaluate the transformation from Roman to Byzantine institutions</li></ul><ul><li>Assess Justinian’s military and legal achievements</li></ul><ul><li>Explain the theological and political dimensions of iconoclasm</li></ul><ul><li>Analyse the Empire’s fluctuating relations with Islam</li></ul><ul><li>Trace the patterns of recovery and decline in the later Empire</li></ul><ul><li>Discuss the significance of the 1204 sack and 1453 fall of Constantinople</li></ul><p>The course is suitable for complete beginners and those with a curiosity about the topic.</p><p>The course will be taught via a series of lectures.</p><p>No. Pen and paper if you wish to take notes.</p><p>You may wish to join Sean for his next course on the Crusades. </p>HistoryThe Middle East & North Africavirtual151189123HWH233NONEMon05/10/26 - 09/11/2614:00 - 16:0014:0016:006 sessions (over 6 weeks)65-10 weeksWeekdayOnlineOnlineSean GabbBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2026-10-05T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeOct 2026Culture, history & humanities189189The Byzantine Empirethe-byzantine-empire/hwh233-2627<p>Explore the dramatic history of the Byzantine Empire from its Roman roots to its fall in 1453. This course offers a concise yet penetrating look at an empire that shaped both Europe and the Islamic world.</p>0000-Available|2026-10-05 00:00:00<p>This course provides an overview of the Byzantine Empire, the eastern half of the Roman Empire that endured for a thousand years after the fall of Rome. It examines political, religious, and military developments, with a focus on key moments such as the reign of Justinian, the Iconoclastic Controversy, and the fall of Constantinople. The course also assesses Byzantium’s impact on the West, Islam, and the Orthodox world.</p><p>Explore the dramatic history of the Byzantine Empire from its Roman roots to its fall in 1453. This course offers a concise yet penetrating look at an empire that shaped both Europe and the Islamic world.</p><ul><li>The transformation of the Eastern Roman Empire</li></ul><ul><li>Justinian and the reconquest of the West</li></ul><ul><li>The Iconoclastic Controversy</li></ul><ul><li>The rise of Islam and Byzantine responses</li></ul><ul><li>The Byzantine recovery and its apogee</li></ul><ul><li>Decline and the fall of Constantinople</li></ul><ul><li>Evaluate the transformation from Roman to Byzantine institutions</li></ul><ul><li>Assess Justinian’s military and legal achievements</li></ul><ul><li>Explain the theological and political dimensions of iconoclasm</li></ul><ul><li>Analyse the Empire’s fluctuating relations with Islam</li></ul><ul><li>Trace the patterns of recovery and decline in the later Empire</li></ul><ul><li>Discuss the significance of the 1204 sack and 1453 fall of Constantinople</li></ul><p>The course is suitable for complete beginners and those with a curiosity about the topic.</p><p>The course will be taught via a series of lectures.</p><p>No. Pen and paper if you wish to take notes.</p><p>You may wish to join Sean for his next course on the Crusades.&nbsp;</p>HistoryThe Middle East & North Africaconfigurable
135601178The Middle East & North Africahttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/history/the-middle-east-north-africa1/2/285/1177/1178/135601/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/History/The Middle East & North Africa
