The Byzantine Empire (the Eastern Roman Empire) was established on 11th May, 330, when Constantinople was proclaimed a second capital of the Empire. The contemporary Bulgarian lands were under Byzantine domination two times: first in the period from 330 to 681 and later – in the period from 1018 to 1185. The statehood idea of Byzantium was based on Christian religion and the principle: "One God in the sky – one emperor on the earth".

     The development of architecture, music and theatre was related to the Christianity and it was not accidental that the main achievements were made through and in the church. The Byzantine influence in our lands is mainly visible in architecture, especially church architecture, icon-painting and mosaics. The Byzantine church type – basilica was widely distributed in the East Mediterranean as well as in today's Bulgarian lands. The most prominent basilicas are: St. Sophia Church in Sofia and Old Metropolitan Bishop’s Church in Nessebar (5th c. AD). The other church type with four-conch dome has had a restricted distribution. The most representative example is the Red Church at Perushitsa (4th–6th century AD).
 

     No doubt the icon was Byzantium’s most remarkable and characteristic achievement. It is not accidental that the Byzantium-icon phrase is the normal association evoked in the mind of every modern educated person. Icon in the sense of fresco, depiction on wood, metal, textile or mosaics. The most preserved wall-paintings have been discovered in the St. George Rotunda in Sofia and the mosaics in Stara Zagora (ancient Augusta).