This 1.5-hour presentation explores Eastern Europe as a dynamic region shaped by overlapping imperial legacies that remain visible in its cities, cultures, and political landscapes. Through a guided tour across the region, we examine the enduring influences of the Roman and Byzantine worlds, as well as Ottoman, Venetian, Habsburg, Polish, and Prussian rule. Together, these layered histories reveal how empire continues to shape identities, borders, and everyday life in Eastern Europe today.

Alexander “Alex” Billinis is currently a lecturer at Clemson University's Honors College and Political Science Departments. He earned his master’s degree in history at Clemson in 2022, and now he is pursuing his PhD in digital history. He writes prolifically on historical and cultural topics. His career has spanned international banking, law, commercial real estate, and journalism. He and his family have lived in Serbia, Greece, and the United Kingdom in addition to the United States.