Byzantine empire

  • 330

    AD: Constantine founds the new capital of the Roman Empire on the existing site of the ancient Greek city Byzantium: Byzantium was renamed Constantinople and it would become the capital of the Byzantine Empire.

  • 395

    395: The Roman Empire divides in half, with the Eastern Roman Empire based in Constantinople and the Western Roman Empire based in Rome/Ravenna.

  • 476

    The Western Empire Falls: The Eastern Empire survives and now is labeled as the Byzantine Empire.

  • Feb 12, 610

    Heraclius becomes emperor. Temporary possession of Mesopotamia. The theme system is installed. The Empire's language changes to Greek. Eventual Lost of Syria, Palestine, and Egypt to Muslims.

  • Feb 12, 721

    Regains control of Asia Minor from the Muslims

  • Feb 12, 800

    Charlemagne, king of the Franks, is crowned "Emperor of the Romans" by Pope Leo III in Rome. For the first time in 300 years, there is an emperor of the "East" and an emperor of the "West".

  • Feb 12, 843

    The use of Icons is restored.

  • Feb 12, 917

    Bulgars under Symeon overrun Thrace.

  • Feb 12, 1087

    1087: Byzantines defeated in Thrace.

  • Feb 12, 1453

    Fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans. End of the Byzantine Empire.