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The Byzantine Empire used no other name but “Roman Empire”. The imperial power benefited from an ideological cohesion, which explains why this Empire endured for eleven centuries. Christianity, as promoted by Constantine at the beginning of the 4th century, made the Emperor God’s lieutenant in this world. His power was increased through well-codified ceremonies and he was endowed with tremendous religious power. He could rely on a real public administration such as the Treasury – the génikon – which was run by competent officers. Men who were well-trained in grammar, rhetoric and geometry insured the efficiency of this administration. Invasions that had been quite inefficient until the 12th century finally do away with the Empire when the Turks and crusaders join in, despite a brilliant and last surge under the dynasty of the Palaiologoi (1258-1453).