The Byzantine empire started off as the eastern Roman Empire. But the Byzantines often referred to themselves as "Romans". in 330 CE emperor Constantine founded Constantinople, which became the new capital of the Roman Empire. Constantinople was located in modern day Greece/turkey, on the site of Byzantium, hinting where the Byzantine empire got there name. The Byzantium culture was heavily influenced by the romans way of life, being that they thought they were romans. Geographically The new capital Constantinople, of Rome was in significantly better location allowing the Byzantine empire to thrive for the next 1,100 years. Due to Constantinople being located on the Bosphorus river, and having a land route from Europe to Asia, aswell as a water way between the Mediterranean and Black Sea the byzantine empire was surrounded by water allowing them to have well developed ports. Later a guy named Leo the mathematician, made beacons to show territory that the Byzantine empire used as defense against un wanted neighbors. Strategically the Byzantines empire was very well protected.