Late Antiquity refers to the period from approximately the 3rd to the 8th century AD, marking the transition from the classical world to the Middle Ages. This era is characterized by significant changes in the Roman Empire, including political, social, and economic transformations. The rise of Christianity also played a crucial role, as it became the dominant religion and influenced various aspects of culture and governance. During Late Antiquity, the Roman Empire faced challenges such as invasions by Germanic tribes and internal strife, leading to its eventual division into the Western Roman Empire and the Eastern Roman Empire. This period also saw the flourishing of Byzantine culture and the spread of Hellenistic traditions, which laid the groundwork for future European civilizations.