The Byzantine Empire lasted from AD 395 to 1453, during which music was prominent throughout the empire. Both sacred and secular music were commonplace, with sacred music frequently used in church services and secular music in many events including ceremonies, dramas, ballets, banquets, festivals and sports games. However, despite its popularity, secular Byzantine music was harshly criticized by the Church Fathers. Like their medieval Western contemporaries, little is known about the lives of Byzantine composers.