The ancient, legendary empire of Byzantium - also known as the Eastern Roman Empire - outlasted the demise of Rome by a thousand years. A new order rose to become the last classical civilization of world history, sheltering the vestiges of Western learning during the Dark Ages, thriving off the silk and spice trade from the East, and eventually succumbing to the ruthless advance of crusaders and Ottomans. Pass through the gates of Constantinople, the eye of the world, where East still meets West. Explore the magnificent mosque of Hagia Sophia. Visit the treasury of St. Mark's in Venice and see antiquities never before filmed for television. Historian John Romer leads a fascinating journey back in time to discover the wondrous treasures of a fallen, haunted and forgotten realm.
Episodes:
Part 1. Building the Dream
Part 2. Heaven on Earth
Part 3. Envy of the world
Part 4. Forever.and.Ever