The main objective of this course is to introduce students to Byzantine history by providing an overview of the historical evolution of the long-lived Byzantine Empire (4th – 15th century AD). The basic elements of the Byzantine history are presented, alongside with the major factors for the formulation of its political, social and cultural development. The students should obtain a working knowledge for the use of sources, as well as they should become familiar with the key figures and the main events over a millennium. Furthermore, the impact of the Empire is traced in the medieval world and its legacy beyond. The course constitutes a knowledge basis and thus a prerequisite for future courses and seminars.