History of the Byzantines

Emperor Constantine I Founded the Byzantine Capital

330

The emperor dedicated a “new Rome” on the site of the ancient Greek colony of Byzantium. The western half of Rome fell apart but the Eastern half lasted for over 1,000 years. The site was ideally located to serve as a transit and trade point between Europe and Asia Minor. Constantine I chose Byzantium as the site of a new Roman capital, Constantinople.

General Belisarius Military Campaigns

505

Flavius Belisarius grew up in a poor home and then rose to become one of the greatest generals of the Byzantine Empire. He became leader of the whole army after Emporer Justin I died. He used his unique strategies to defeat the Persians. Belisarius is one of the last leaders that truly embodied the Roman Empire.

Nika revolt (riots)

532

The Romans and Byzantines were well known for their competitive groups in chariot racing. The Byzantines had several colored teams and Green and Blue were the most influential. Justinian I supported the Blues and people took these teams very seriously and politically. Murders started occurring after a controversial chariot race and the imperial forces and guards could not take control. The riots were the most violent that had ever taken place in Constantinople.

Hagia Sophia Completed

532

The Hagia Sophia went by many names but it is best known as the Church of the Holy Wisdom. It was constructed under the rule of Justinian I. It is the most important Byzantine structure ever created. Its main feature is a large dome in the center of the building and it was mostly made of marble.

Early Islamic military campaigns into Byzantine territory

634

The battle of Yurmak was one of the greatest battles in history. A small army of Arabs defeated the Byzantines which lead to more invasion and Byzantine failure. Their invasions had begun in 634.

Emperor Basil II military conquests of Bulgaria

976

Basil II was one of the most outstanding emperors in Byzantine. He extended imperial rule all across Bulgaria, Armenia, Syria, and Georgia. He is best known for his successful campaigns against the revived Bulgarian kingdom under its tsar Samuel. Samuel caused more warfare with the Byzantines in Macedonia.

Great Schism

1054

The Great Schism was the break of Communion between what are now the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. It was caused by politics, culture, theology, and economics. They did not use unleavened bread.

Emperor Alexios I contacts Pope Urban II for militahelp in Middle East

1095

In November, Pope Urban II called all Christians in Europe to war against Muslims. He was incredibly influential and he used phrases like “Deus vult!” or “God wills it!” The Holy Land, present day Middle East, became a point of conflict for European Christians as they fought against the Turks. Urban portrayed the Muslims as anti-Christians and convinced everyone to fight.

Fourth Crusade (attack on Constantinople)

1202

The Crusade was first called by Pope Innocent III. In April 1204, they broke into the great metropolis, Constantinople. The inhabitants condemned the Crusaders for looting, pillaging, and slaughtering their city. However, the Crusaders believe their actions were done by the Lord and it was a miracle.

Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks

1453

Constantinople was one of the most fortified cities in the world. Sultan Mehmed II led the Ottoman strike against Constantinople. They outnumbered the Byzantines by at least 10 to 1. They tore down the city with cannons and naval ships. The city was flooded by the Ottoman soldiers and after 50 days, it had been taken.