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Where was the Byzantine Empire located at its greatest extent?
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Byzantine Empire
The Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child (centre), Justinian (left) holding a model of the Hagia Sophia, and Constantine (right) holding a model of the city of Constantinople; mosaic from the Hagia Sophia, 9th century.
At its greatest extent, the Byzantine Empire encompassed vast territories surrounding the Mediterranean Sea. This peak in size occurred during the 6th century under the reign of Emperor Justinian I.1
At this height, the empireās reach included:
* Europe: Modern-day Italy and Greece.
* Asia: Modern-day Turkey and portions of the Middle East.
* Africa: Significant regions of North Africa.1
Following this period, the empireās borders were significantly reduced by the 11th century due to internal conflicts and external invasions, including those by the Seljuq Turks and the Normans.1