When was the Byzantine empire at its greatest?

Answer 1

The Byzantine or Eastern Roman Empire was technically formed in 285. Constantinople, it's capital, was founded in 330.

Through some changes and incarnations, you could say it lasted until the fall of Constantinople in the crusades (1204), the final 'fall' of Constantinople (1453) or the fall of Trebizond in 1461.

Usually, though, we'd say it's period was from 330 to 1453, all dates CE (AD).

Answer 2

This empire was at its greatest under the rule of Justinian I (or the Great). During his rule the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine Empire is a name modern historians have given to the Eastern Roman Empire after the fall of the Western Roman Empire) still had all its lands in the east (they were gradually lost later).

Justinian embarked on a policy of reconquest of the lands lost by the Western Roman Empire. He seceded in retaking Italy, Africa and part of Spain. This gave him control of the Western basin of the Mediterranean. Although the wars were costly, the reconquests generated a lot of revenues and prosperity.

Answer 3

The Middle Ages