The Byzantine Empire (395-1453, Greek: Βυζαντιναυτοκρατορα, English: The Byzantine Empire), the Eastern Roman Empire, was an absolute monarchy of Orthodox Christianity. Located in eastern Europe, it once included western Asia and northern Africa, and at its peak included Italy, Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and the Mediterranean coast of North Africa. It was the oldest monarchy in ancient and medieval Europe. During its thousand-year existence, it was generally referred to simply as the "Roman Empire". The Byzantine Empire went through 12 dynasties; 93 emperors. The capital of the empire was New Rome (Latin: NovaRoma, Constantinople). In 1453, it was destroyed by the Ottoman Turks who stormed Constantinople (now renamed Istanbul).