Middle Ages Regents Practice Exam 2026 - Free Regents Practice Questions and Study Guide

The correct choice is the Byzantine Empire, which is the name historically used to refer to the eastern portion of the Roman Empire after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. This transformation occurred as the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire continued to thrive politically, economically, and culturally while the West declined. The capital of this eastern realm was Constantinople (formerly Byzantium), established by Emperor Constantine the Great.

The Byzantine Empire is renowned for its contributions to art, architecture, law, and preservation of Roman and Greek knowledge. It played a vital role in shaping European civilization, particularly during the Middle Ages. The term "Byzantine" itself is derived from Byzantium, the name of the city prior to it being re-named Istanbul.

In contrast, the Carthaginian Empire refers to the ancient civilization located in North Africa that existed before the rise of Rome and was defeated in the Punic Wars. The Islamic Empire arose after the establishment of Islam in the 7th century A.D., succeeding in the regions that were a part of the Roman domains but not specifically linked to the eastern Roman Empire. The Persian Empire, distinct from Rome and its eastern counterpart, had its own notable historical context that remained largely separate from the developments of the Roman empires