The Byzantine Empire at its origination was founded in Constantinople, but the final break-up of the eastern and western empires was not accomplished until the later part of the fifth century.Asia Minor and the Balkan Peninsula south of the Danube River was the core of the empire; At times the boundaries consisted of Italy, Mesopotamia, and North Africa. Vast wealth was had during most of its history because of its empire being strategically located for control of trade between Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Byzantine Empire survived a millennium of triumphs with its political structure anchored in Greek tradition and a new religion stimulated by Greek philosophy, until its decline and Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453.