The Byzantine empire, originally Eastern Rome, was an influential empire for coming years. Lasting after the fall of Rome, it flourished and inspired Russia and Eastern Europe in various ways. The first Christian emperor of the empire, Constantine, named the capitol Constantinople. His Christian practices lead the empire to be heavily impacted by Christianity, later leading Russia to the same religion. The empire welth was based on the working class and the wealthier to help pay taxes. With this great wealth and power they were a major target for surrounding civilizations. The Byzantine empire also saved artifacts and documents from Rome once it collapsed so they could obtain information and share it with others. It reached its highest point under the rule of Justinian. Everything was well and the code of laws were established, but soon after Justinian's death all of the land they gained was gone and everything went downhill. For further details and discoveries, you can read our research and writings about the Byzantine Empire and Russia.