Ethereum Classic is a blockchain platform that emerged from a split in the original Ethereum network in 2016. This split occurred after a major hack of a project called The DAO, which led to a controversial decision to reverse the hack's effects. Those who opposed this decision continued to support the original blockchain, which is now known as Ethereum Classic. Ethereum Classic operates on a decentralized network, allowing developers to create and deploy smart contracts and decentralized applications (dApps). It maintains the same principles of immutability and censorship resistance as the original Ethereum, emphasizing the importance of preserving the blockchain's history and integrity.