Byzantine Empire

Byzantine Empire
Byzantine Empire is the faction with the longest lifetime in the entire game. Around a thousand years of lifetime. There are only 2 ways to create the Byzantine Empire. Either reform Byzantine Empire from the East Roman Empire or revolution from the East Roman Empire. Byzantine has a considerably great economy and development during the early stage of the game. However, Byzantine Empire is heavily weakened by the rising Caliphate during the Rise of Islam. It will only weaken after the Rise of Islam until it's fully annexed by the Ottoman Empire during the Fall of Byzantium.

Strategies
A strategy for Byzantine Empire in the early eras is to expand into your small neighbours and avoid conflict with larger powers such as Sassanid Empire if possible. During the Rise of Islam, you can contain Caliphate by protecting the countries you haven't annexed yet and aid them in their defensive wars.

It is not recommended to play as Byzantium by 1444 unless you are great at the game. By 1444, Byzantium is a dying empire. It is recommended to try to ally major powers near the Ottomans, such as Hungary or the Mamluks, although it won’t be easy. Try to mass lots of troops; it’ll pay off in the long run, despite the early game challenges. Try to abuse the A.I into attacking into provinces with walls and whatnot, or try to siege all of the Ottoman Balkan territories as fast as possible. Try to take the Balkan states first and foremost, as those will provide less unrest due to religion. From there, try to beat back the Ottomans again in multiple wars with allies, and be wary of rebels.