History of the Byzantines

Emperor Constantine I Founded the Byzantine Capital

330

Emperor Constantine named the new capital, Constantinople, after himself. Nicknamed the " New Rome", Constantinople had roads span out the Balkans, the Middle East, and to North Africa. It was located on the Bosporus strait, which connected the Mediterranean to the Black seas. Walls guarded the city and the harbor on three sides.

Byzantine Empire

Period: 330 to Jan 1, 1453

Justinian Becomes Emperor of the Byzantines

527

Emperor Justinian ruled over the Byzantine empire from 527 to 565 and brought the empire to its peak under his rule. Juatinian wanted to recover lands in ancient Rome and restore them to their former glory. He planned on doing that by sending his top general, Belisarius, to reconquer North Africa, Italy, and the southern Iberian penninsula. The victories didn't last long for the battles weakened the treasury and the defenses in the east.

Hagia Sophia Completed

537

The Hagia Sophia, which translates to "Holy Whisdom", was rebuilt after riots and a fire damaged much of Constantinople. The rebuilding was meant to help restore Roman glory.

General Belisarius Military Campaigns

545

General Belisarius lead military campaigns against the Vandals and Ostrogoths from 533-545. A victory against the Vandals at the Battle of Tricamarum resulted in the restoration of lost Roman provinces in north Afirca. In the fight with the Ostrogoths, Belisarius seized the capital of Ostrogoth, Ravenna. He was offered to be western emperor and he lied acceptence of the offer. He then ordered the capture of the city in the name of Justinian.

Islamic Conquests Parts of the Byzantine Territory

Jan 1, 700

In the time after Justianian rule, the empire was battered with insuccessful attacks from the Persians,Slavs,Vikings,Huns, and Turks. But in the 600s and 700s, Arabs armies began to control a large amount of the Mediterranian world.

Emperor Basil II military conquests up to 1025

Jan 1, 1025

Emperor Basil reduced the power of big land owning families that dominated the empire greatly in the administration and military. During that, he filled the empire's treasury largely.

Great Schism

Jan 1, 1054

In 1054, the eastern and western Christianity split. The eastern part became known as the Orthodox church and the western part became known as the Roman Catholic Church.

Emperor Alexios I and Pope Urban II

Jan 1, 1095

(Image of Emperor Alexios I) Emperor Alexios I and Pope Urban II united to fight against Muslim Turks in the First Crusade. Pope Urban II summoned nobility and people to take back the Holy Land and churches from the control of the Seljujk Turks.

The Fourth Crusade (the attack on Constantinople)

Jan 1, 1204

Venetian merchants convinced knights to attack Constantinople. Trade rivalry created violence between the Byzantine empire and Venice,Italy. Crusaders burned and destroyed the city and sent treasures westward.

The End of the Byzantines

Jan 1, 1453

Ottoman forces surrounded and attecked the walls of Constantinople. Turks seized the city, renamed it Instanbul, and made it capital of the Ottoman empire.