Final answer:
The Byzantine Empire's geographical features included mountainous terrain and strategic waterways, centered around its capital, Constantinople, which connected various regions and facilitated trade and military defense.
Step-by-step explanation:
The geographical characteristics associated with the location of the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire are primarily mountainous terrain and strategic waterways. The empire was reoriented around its new capital, Constantinople (present-day Istanbul), which was strategically positioned near important military campaign sites along the Danube and close to eastern frontiers like the Euphrates. This location was crucial, as it served as a hub for trade and travel, connecting Western Europe, the Near East, and the Balkans. Additionally, the mountainous regions provided natural defenses, while the extensive coastlines along the eastern Mediterranean facilitated maritime trade and military expeditions. The empire also included lands around the Mediterranean, encompassing parts of North Africa and Egypt, where coastlines and strategic waterways underlined the empire's capacity for control and influence over this significant geographic expanse.