The Empire That Never Existed

This is a remake of the very first episode of Everything Everywhere Daily released on 07/01/2020. The script has been updated and expanded with greatly improved audio. You may have heard of many of the largest empires in world history. The Romans, the Mongols, the British, the Persians, the Ottomans, the Incas, and the Byzantines. But that last empire, however, the Byzantines never actually existed. How is it that one of the world's greatest empires may never have existed? Learn more about the Byzantine Empire and why no one ever called it that during its existence on this episode of Everything Everywhere Daily. This episode is sponsored by Mint Mobile. You know, you don't have to let big wireless in your overpriced phone bill suck the joy out of the holidays this year. Because right now, all of Mint Mobile's unlimited plans are 50% off. You can get three, six, or twelve months of unlimited premium wireless for $15 a month. It's our best deal of the year and makes it really easy for you to give your expensive wireless bill the Scrooge treatment. All plans come with high speed data and unlimited talk and text delivered on the nation's largest five gs network. That's why I recommend Mint Mobile. Turn your expensive wireless present into a huge wireless savings future by switching to Mint. Shop Mint unlimited plans at mintmobile.com/eed. That's mintmobile.com/eed. Limited time offer. Upfront payment of $45 for three months, $90 for six months, or a $180 for twelve month plan required. $15 a month equivalent. Taxes and fees extra. Initial plan term only. Greater than 35 gigabytes may slow when network is busy. Capable device required. Availability, speed, and coverage varies. See mintmobile.com. This episode is sponsored by Drip Drop. When you're properly hydrated, everything functions better. Your energy, mood, and focus all rise together. That's why Drip Drop was created. It's not only about quenching thirst, it's about keeping your body and brain operating at peak performance. Drip Drop is doctor developed and proven to hydrate fast, helping both your mind and body perform at their best. It uses an exact balance of electrolytes and glucose for quick absorption, delivering three times the electrolytes and half the sugar of leading sports drinks. You feel the difference quickly with sharper focus, stronger energy, and even a better mood. And it genuinely tastes great. There are 16 original flavors and eight zero sugar options. I've been using the zero sugar lemon lime packets to start my day with a glass of water. Right now, Drip Drop is offering podcast listeners 20% off your first order. Go to dripdrop.com and use promo code everything. That's dripdrop.com, promo code everything for 20% off. Stock up now at dripdrop.com and use promo code everything. The Byzantine Empire had its capital in Constantinople, now modern day Istanbul. History books will tell you that the empire lasted a little over a thousand years. Under emperor Justinian in the year May, the empire …