The Byzantine empire existed nearly 1,125 years.
<span>The Byzantine Navy was the first to employ a terrifying liquid in naval battles.
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<span>The Byzantine Empire was mainly comprised of an array of small towns and seaports connected by a developed infrastructure.
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In 590 B.C., Byzantium was destroyed by the Persians. It was later rebuilt by the Spartans, and then fought over by Athens and Sparta until 336 B.C. From 336 to 323 B.C., it was under the control of the famous Greek general, Alexander the Great<span>. After the death of Alexander, Byzantium finally regained its independence.
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The origins of Byzantium are clouded by mystery, but for our list we will follow the generally accepted version. Around 660 B.C., a Greek citizen, Byzas, from the town of Megara near Athens, consulted the oracle of Apollo at Delphi. Byzas requested advice on where he should found a new colony, since the mainland of Greece was becoming overpopulated. The oracle simply whispered, “opposite the blind.”
