<human>:  What is the history of the Byzantine Empire?
<bot>: The Byzantine Empire, sometimes referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire, was a continuation of the Roman Empire in its eastern provinces from Late Antiquity. It then transitioned into the Medieval Greek Byzantine period and ultimately the Ottoman Empire. It was founded by Constantine I in 324 CE after he declared the city of Byzantium (modern-day Istanbul) as the new capital of the Roman Empire. The empire lasted until its final collapse to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, but its cultural and political legacy continued to shape Eastern and Central Europe. The Empire was very diverse in nature, with diverse populations including Greeks, Armenians, Syrians, Arabs, Jews and numerous other ethnic groups. Throughout its history it was marked by cycles of fragmentation and reunification, and its art, music, literature and architecture were heavily influenced by the religious and cultural traditions of the surrounding regions.