Byzantine History

Emperor Constantine founds Byzantine Capital Constantinople

330

When Constatine rose to power, he decided to establish a new capital for the Roman Empire. Constatine new that Rome's infrustructure was declining, and wanted a more central location in the empire. He decided on the location of old Byzantium. There were many advantages to the location Constantine picked, the central location, it was surrounded almost entirely by water so it could be easily defended, and the location on the Golden Horn also provided an excellent harbor.

History of the Byzantines

Period: 330 to Jan 1, 1453

Justinian Becomes Byzantine Emporor

527

Justinian became emperor of the Byzantine Empire in 527 BC. He died in 565 BC, thus effectively ending his reign. Justinian was in charge of the Catholic church as well as being the emperor, and was tasked with the spread of the church. Justinian wanted to bring back the Holy Roman Empire the way it once was, so during his reign he fought continual wars to recapture the lands that had been lost.

General Belisarius Begins Military Campaigns

533

Belisarius was a general of the Byzantine Empire. He was a huge part of Emperor Justinian's reconquering much of the Mediterranean territory of the former Western Roman Empire, One of the defining features of Belisarius' career was his success despite lack of support from Justinian.

Hagia Sophia Completed

537

The Hagia Sophia was a Greek Orthodox basilica that was constructed in 537 BC. It is comprised of many different rooms, many of which domed or arched. The Hagia Sophia was the home of the pope, and capital of the Greek Orthodox church.

Islamic Conquests Parts of Byzentine Empire Starts

Feb 20, 600

In the year of 600 BC, Muslims throughout the Middle East conquered much of the Byzentine Empire. That conquest ended in 700 BC. This ultimately weakend the Byzantine Empire, leaving it suseptable to attacks by the Ottomans, leading to the Empire's downfall.

Emperor Basil II Military Conquests End

Feb 20, 1025

The early years of his reign were filled with civil war against powerful generals from the Anatolian aristocracy. Following their defeat, Basil began the expansion of the eastern frontier of the Byzantine Empire, and eventually, the defeat of Bulgaria, the Empire's foremost European foe.

The Great Schism

Feb 20, 1054

The Great Schism was the seperation of the Greek Orthodox Church, and the Catholic Church. It was caused because the religious leaders of the Christian church were located in two different continents, and had different ideas of how the religion should work.

Emperor Alexios I and Pope Urban II

Feb 20, 1095

Emperor Alexios asked Pope Urban II for help after the loss of much of the Byzentine Empire. He asked Pope Urban II for military support to conquest the surrounding area, and spread Christianity. This partnership between the two leaders led to the First Crusades.

Fourth Crusade and Attack on Constantinople

Feb 20, 1204

The Fourth Crusade was the attack on the Byzantine Empire, and the attempt at wiping out the Greek Orthodox Church. This led to the attack on Constantinople, and the capture of the Byzantine capital. It was the final act of the Great Schism and ultimately the starting point of an unfriendly relaionship between the two Christian churches. This led to a short lived Latin rule in Constantinople.

The Byzantine Empire is Conquered by The Ottomans

Feb 20, 1453

After recapturing Constantinople in 1346 the Byzantine Empire was shortly there-after conquered by the Ottomans. The Ottomans staged an all-out assault on Constantinople. Ultimately the stronghold of the Byzantine Empire was captured, thus ending the Byzantine Empire.