Watch The Byzantine & Ottoman Empires: Lecture 1 of 12. Foundation: From Byzantium to Constantinople.

The Byzantine & Ottoman Empires: Lecture 1 of 12. Foundation: From Byzantium to Constantinople is a captivating historical documentary led by the knowledgeable Dr. William J. Neidinger. The movie delves into one of the greatest empires in the history of the world - the Byzantine Empire - and the foundation it laid for the Ottoman Empire that followed.

The Byzantine Empire was one of the longest-lasting empires in history, stretching for over 1,000 years from the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 to its own fall when Constantinople was captured by the Ottoman Empire in 1453. Despite its long legacy, the Byzantine Empire is often overlooked in favor of other great empires that existed alongside it. In this movie, Dr. Neidinger brings the Byzantine Empire to the forefront and provides a glimpse into its history.

The film takes us on a journey through time, starting in 324 AD with the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great, who moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to Constantinople, a city he founded on the site of the ancient Greek city of Byzantium. This move was a pivotal moment in history as it not only shifted the focus of the Roman Empire but also created a new culture and empire that would thrive for centuries to come.

Throughout the documentary, Dr. Neidinger provides extensive insights into the Byzantine Empire's governance, religion, art, culture, and military might. We learn about the powerful leaders and thinkers of the empire, including Emperor Justinian, who created the Corpus Juris Civilis, a comprehensive set of laws that influenced Western law for centuries. We also dive deep into the various religious influences on the empire, including the schism between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

As the documentary progresses, we also see the emergence of the Ottoman Empire, which came into existence in the 14th century. The Byzantine Empire had a significant impact on the Ottoman Empire's formation, providing a foundation for their culture, administration, and military tactics.

Throughout the movie, Dr. Neidinger provides an engaging and informative narrative of the historical events and cultural nuances that shaped both empires. The visual aids, including maps, historical artifacts, and illustrations, make the narrative that much more immersive and add to the overall quality of the documentary.

In conclusion, The Byzantine & Ottoman Empires: Lecture 1 of 12. Foundation: From Byzantium to Constantinople is an excellently crafted documentary that provides a detailed and captivating overview of the two empires that have central significance in world history. Dr. Neidinger is an accomplished historian who brings to life the complex and fascinating history of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. If you are a history buff or simply interested in world history, this documentary is a must-watch.

The Byzantine & Ottoman Empires: Lecture 1 of 12. Foundation: From Byzantium to Constantinople. is a documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.