The first period of Byzantine rule lasted from 395 A.D. until 824 A.D. During this period Crete was part of the Byzantine Empire, which had its capital in Constantinople. It became a separate province in the empire and had a Byzantine general as its governor. This allowed Crete to participate in the building of the Greek Byzantine Empire. Christianity spread to the island and became established. Fine churches and basilicas were built. There is evidence of 40 or more basilicas from this period: Gortyn, Limin Hersonisou, Sougia, Elounda and Itanos are some of the more important ones.