Tonight | Byzantium: Secrets of an Empire on SBS: a thousand years of history – Byzantium: Secrets of an Empire premieres tonight. The documentary explores a thousand years of Byzantine history, at 8.25pm on SBS.
The Byzantine Empire emerged from the Roman world. Its capital was founded as Constantinople in the 4th century.
The empire blended Roman administration, Greek culture and Christian faith. That mix shaped its art, politics and identity.
Mosaics, manuscripts and masterpieces
The documentary draws on archaeological discoveries and manuscripts. It also looks closely at mosaics and imperial masterpieces.
The story runs from the ambitions of Emperor Justinian to the sack of Constantinople in 1204.
An influence that outlasted the empire
The empire faced conquest and political turmoil. Even so, Byzantine art and ideas continued to influence Europe.
They helped shape the Italian Renaissance. The empire’s final fall came in 1453.
For viewers who enjoy history on a grand scale, it is a rich hour of television.
Byzantium: Secrets of an Empire airs Sunday 15 November at 8.25pm on SBS and streams free on SBS On Demand.
Read more in TV Central’s SBS coverage. Watch on SBS On Demand.
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