Who was the Last Living Person Born in the Roman/Byzantine Empire?

The question of who was the last living person born in the Roman/Byzantine Empire is a complex and somewhat elusive one. This inquiry is riddled with historical ambiguities and varying timelines, making it challenging to answer definitively. Let us delve into the intricacies surrounding this quest for clarity.

The Subjectivity of Defining the Roman/Byzantine End

One of the primary challenges in answering this question lies in the subjectivity of defining the end of the Roman Empire. The collapse of the empire did not occur on a single, universally agreed-upon date, but rather unfolded over a significant period.

The most widely accepted definition is the fall of Constantinople on May 29, 1453. However, other historical events, such as the Fourth Crusade in 1204, could be considered markers for the end of the Byzantine Empire. The Fourth Crusade saw a significant invasion and the sacking of Constantinople, altering the political landscape of the empire.

Continued Roman/Byzantine Influence

Even after 1453, the remnants of the Byzantine Empire maintained control over certain territories. These regions, such as the Morea and parts of Cyprus, continued to be governed under Byzantine traditions and rule. Parts of Italy, particularly parts of the Papal States and southern Italy, also maintained connections to Byzantine culture and administration until the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

Thus, the question of who was the last living person born in the Roman/Byzantine Empire becomes even more complicated. Would someone born in these remaining regions be considered as having been born in the Roman/Byzantine Empire?

No Definitive Records

Even if one were to choose a more precise endpoint for the Roman/Byzantine Empire, such as 1500, it would still be impossible to definitively state which person was the last to be born in those regions. Historical records from that time period are often fragmented and incomplete, making it difficult to trace the exact birth years of individuals.

Moreover, many of the surviving records from that era are in Greek, Latin, or other languages, and often incomplete or lost to time. This makes it challenging to pinpoint an exact birth year and place for a person who could potentially be considered the last living individual from the Roman/Byzantine Empire.

Conclusion

What is clear is that the quest to identify the last living person born in the Roman/Byzantine Empire is fraught with ambiguity and subjectivity. While we can make educated guesses about the regions and time periods that should be considered, definitive answers are elusive due to the historical complexities and the limitations of our extant records.