Name given to the Roman Empire of the East, which flourished
from 395 to 1453, being founded upon the death of Theodosius by
division of the Roman Empire between his two sons. In the 5th
century the Nestorian heresy began to prevail in the East, and
the empire was forced to pay tribute to Attila to escape
invasion. Religious matters were of special importance in
Byzantine history because of the politico-ecclesiastical powers
of the rulers and the interest of all classes in questions of
doctrine and usage. Political and ecclesiastical dissension
caused by the introduction of the Monophysite heresy was
increased by rivalry between the patriarchs of Alexandria and
Constantinople, until in 1215 the latter was declared second to
Rome in honor by Pope Innocent III. The most brilliant period of
the empire began under Justinian I, famous for his code of laws.
His general, Belisarius, defeated the Persians and made
conquests in Africa and Italy, and in 538 Saint Sophia was
erected. In 610 Heraclius overthrew the usurp