Byzantine Empire Chess Set 20x20cm with chessmen ManopoulosThe Legend The most long lasting empire of all times existed and ruled the eastern part of Europe for more than 1000 years. The orthodox continuation of the Roman Empire, known as the Byzantine Empire, expanded significantly with victorious crusades across the East and West. Their culture was formed by the Greek civilization and their language was the Greek. The Byzantines also preserved and copied classical manuscripts, and they are thus regarded as