History of the Byzantines

Emperor Constantine I Founded the Byzantine Capital

330

Constantine I was known as the Emporer that founded the Byzantine capital. Constantine I was responsible for two major changes that helped form the Byzantine culture. He legalized Christianity, and he moved the capital of the Roman Empire to the city of Byzantium. Constantine's founding of Constantinople is considered the beginning of the Byzantine Empire.

Years of the Byzantine Empire

Period: 330 to Jan 1, 1453

Justinian Becomes Emperor of the Byzantines

527

Justinian was co-emperor to his uncle, Justin I. After his uncle's passing he took on the role of being Emperor. Justinian recovered regions lost to foregin invaders, and took a leading role in shaping the church policy of Christian Orthodoxy. He aslso luanched one of the most aggressive military programs in midievil times which became great use to him in recovering former western territories, and the capital of Italy. Justinian's reign was distinguished by a record of architectural programs.

General Belisarius Military Campaigns

535

Belisarius was chosen by Justinian to begin the reconquest of the western Roman territories occupied the Germans. He was sent to attack the Vandals in North Africa, which ended in two victories. Next he conquered the Ostrogothic regime of Italy, and the barbarian tribes encroaching on Constantinople.

Hagia Sophia Completed

537

Hagia Sophia comes from the Greek meaning of "holy wisdom". Hagia Sophia was built to be a Greek Orthodox Church dedicated to the wisdom of God, the Logos, the second person of the Holy Trinity. The huge dome was considered to be the epitome of Byzantine architecture, and was said to have changed the history of architecture.

Islamic Conquests Parts of the Byzantine Territory

Feb 21, 623

The Islamic Conquests began with the Islamic prophet Muhammad, who created a unified polity which resulted in an expansion of Muslim power in the 7th century. The Muslim conquest brought about the territorial loss of the Byzantine Empire. Historians believe that the major collapse of the Byzantine Empire was military and economical exhaustion from decades of fighting.

Emperor Basil II military conquests

Dec 15, 1025

Basil II was a Byzantine Emperor from the Macedonian dynasty. The early years of his long reign were dominated by the civil war. The first campaign was against the Fatimid Caliphate. It took place in 987 when he signed a truce in exchange of prisoners. Next was the conquest against Bulgaria when Basil sent an army of 30,000 men into Bulgaria. In later years Basil participated in the Khazar campaign.

Great Schism

Feb 22, 1054

The Great Schism also known as the "east-west Schism" was a dispute between the the Eastern Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Churches. Among the topics argued about was the Holy Spirit. They argued about if their should he leavened or in unleavened bread in the Eucharist.

Emperor Alexios I and Pope Urban II

Feb 22, 1095

Emperor Alexios I inherited a collapsing empire. He was able to halt the Byzantine Empire decline and begin military, financial, and territorial recovery. Pope Urban II was known for initiating the first crusade, and setting up the Roman Curia in the manner of a royal court to help run the Church.

Fourth Crusade (attack on Constantinople)

Apr 22, 1204

It was originally intended to conquer Jerusalem. Instead the Crusaders of Western Europe attacked the Orthodox Christian city Constantinople. It was known as the final act of the Great Schism between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. It was the turning point in the decline of the empire, and Christianity in the East.

End of the Byzantines

May 29, 1453

It started with the capture of Byzantine by an invading army from the Ottoman Empire. Constantinople lasted nearly 1,500 years. After being conquered by Sultan Mehmed transferred the capital Edirne to Constantinople. Along with results of the empire ending, many Byzantines moved to Italy which started the beginning of the Renaissance.