For around 1000 years, the Byzantine Empire dominated the eastern Mediterranean. It saw itself as the legitimate continuation of the Roman Empire, long before a new empire arose in the West. Its rich culture radiated far into the West and also shaped the Western Middle Ages. Michael Grünbart presents a well-founded overview, the main part of which is structured by dynasties. This chronological account is framed by chapters on the metropolis of Constantinople, the structure of the Eastern Roman Empire, the administration of the empire, and the church, as well as a summary of the important achievements and changes within the empire. Knowledge of the history of the Byzantine Empire is essential for understanding both the Western medieval empire and the papacy.