The Unbroken Roman Empire: 2,200 Years of History

Summary

What if the "Byzantine Empire" was never a separate entity, but a continuation of the Roman Empire for over 2,200 years? Historian Anthony Kaldellis argues that the Eastern Roman Empire was always the Roman Empire, with its people identifying as Romans until its fall in 1453 AD. He traces the empire's vast history from its legendary founding in 753 BC through the Republic, the Imperial Monarchy, and the eventual split and survival of the East. Key to its longevity were mechanisms that integrated diverse populations, such as the Edict of Caracalla in 212 AD, which granted full Roman citizenship to all free inhabitants, a move unprecedented in modern empires. Despite periods of immense instability, like the "Crisis of the Third Century" with 26 emperors murdered in 50 years, the empire persisted. This resilience was partly due to the imperial "persona" projected by authorities: a promise of responsiveness, accountability, and tireless effort for subjects, reinforced through laws, petitions, and public acclamations in places like the Hippodrome. While civil wars and coups were frequent, they rarely centered on ideology but on who held power. Ultimately, emperors were incentivized to maintain goodwill and address popular concerns to avoid violent overthrow, making their rule, despite the appearance of absolute power, a constant, ongoing referendum.