This course covers Byzantine history from the reign of Constantine (306-336 A.D.) and concludes with the fall of Constantinople in 1453 A.D. Byzantine civilization, founded on the classical heritage of Greece and Rome, evolved into a unique culture which profoundly affected the medieval world in both East and West. The pervasive role of religion, the development of an extraordinary artistic and legal tradition and the interaction with “barbarians,” Muslims, and Crusaders will be examined from primary sources as well as recent studies.