The Roman Legacy of Late Byzantines: Continuation or Distinct Identity?

The Late Byzantines, particularly during the period from the 11th century until the fall of Constantinople in 1453, identified themselves as Romans (Ρωμαοι Romaioi) and considered their state as the continuation of the Roman Empire. This self-identification was rooted in a complex interplay of history, culture, religion, and politics, making the Late Byzantine identity both a continuation and a distinct entity from the ancient Roman Empire.

Cultural Continuity in the Byzantine Empire

Despite their distinct linguistic and cultural evolution, the Byzantine Empire preserved many aspects of Roman law and governance. Latin, the official language of the Western Roman Empire, persisted in official documents for some time, even as Greek became the dominant language. Roman law, religious practices, and cultural traditions, such as architecture and philosophy, were maintained and adapted to fit the new political and religious contexts. This cultural continuity is evident in the legal and administrative systems, where Roman law frameworks were crucial in maintaining order and governance.

Imperial Ideology and Sovereignty

Byzantine emperors saw themselves as the legitimate successors to the Roman emperors, holding titles that echoed imperial authority. These titles, such as autokrator (emperor) and basileus (king), not only underscored their political power but also their historical legitimacy. The imperial ideology was bolstered by the assertion that the Byzantine emperor was not only the head of the state but also the protector of Christendom. This ideology was central in establishing the authority of the Byzantine state and its perception by both its subjects and the broader Christian world.

Religious Identity and Legitimacy

Religion played a significant role in the Byzantine ideology. The Byzantine Empire was a Christian state, differentiating it from the ancient Roman Empire which had been predominantly pagan. However, the Christian identity was deeply integrated into the Roman identity. The Church, particularly the Eastern Orthodox Church, played a crucial role in legitimizing the imperial authority. Emperors were often crowned by the Patriarch of Constantinople, who was a key figure in the religious hierarchy. This religious connection further strengthened the imperial claim to continuity with the Roman Empire, emphasizing a dual identity that blended Roman and Christian traditions.

Historical Perspective and Western Perception

While the Byzantine Empire was a unique entity with its own distinct characteristics, it also had a complex relationship with Western Europe. Western Europe often viewed the Byzantines as a separate entity, sometimes referring to them as the Eastern or the Greek Empire. However, the Byzantines themselves and many in the Byzantine court considered their empire as a continuation of the Roman state. This perception reflected a deep historical and cultural connection, even as political and cultural differences emerged over time.

Decline and Legacy

The fall of Constantinople in 1453 marked the end of the Byzantine Empire. This event had significant implications for the regions that had been under Byzantine influence, particularly in Eastern Europe and the Orthodox Christian world. Despite the end of the empire, the legacy of Roman governance, law, and culture continued to shape these regions. The influence of Byzantine legal and administrative systems can still be seen in areas like the Balkans and parts of Eastern Europe, where the tradition of civil law and court practices has roots in the Byzantine legal system.

In conclusion, while the Late Byzantines were culturally distinct from the ancient Romans, they considered themselves to be Romans and viewed their empire as the continuation of the Roman state. This identity was a complex interplay of history, culture, religion, and politics, illustrating the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.