The Byzantine empire had its ups and downs like any empire. It lasted longer than Roman Empire (per conventional definition of the term). It is a shame that th

The Byzantine empire had its ups and downs like any empire. It lasted longer than Roman Empire (per conventional definition of the term). It is a shame that the Western education system downplays the significance and influence of the Byzantine empire on the world. The period known as the Dark Age, was only "dark" in the Western Europe. During the period, Byzantine Empire was a refuge for civilization.