History of Byzantine Empire

Emperor Constantine I Founded Byzantine Capital

330

Emperor Constantine I renamed the capital after himself calling it Constantinopole. The capital was important as the center of the empire and had key trade routes connecting Europe and Asia. The capital was located on the shores of Bosporus.

Hagia Sophia

532

Hagia Sophia is a church that means Holy Wisdom. It was rebuilt because Emperor Justinian wanted to create the greatest basilica in the Roman Empire.

Nike Revolt

532

A series of riots broke out and weakened the position of patricians and senators, but strengthened the position of the emperor and his wife.

General Belisarius Military Campaigns

533

Belisarius began reconquest of Western Rome by going with a small force to attack the Vandals in North Africa. He began conquering other territories after that.

Early Islamic Military Campaigns

636

The battle of Yarmuk, the most decisive battles over the course of six days, made Byzantine's military position collapse. A small amount of Arabs went agains an enormous amount of Byzantine force which led to the permanent loss of Syria, Palenstine, Egypt and large areas of Mesopotamia.

Emperor Basil II and the Bulgarian Empire

1014

Emperor Basil II overcame the Bulgarian Empire in a bloody war causing him to be victorious in his goal.

Great Schism

1054

The Great Schism is when the pope and patriarch of Constantinopole went separate ways, or the split of Roman and Byzantine churches.

Emperor Alexios Contacts Pope Urban II

1095

In an urgent need of help Emperor Alexios contacts the pope for help against the muslim turks despite knowing that he might not help, but the pope thought that helping the emperor will help himself so he agrees. The pope sent the christian knihts from the Western world.

Fourth Crusade

1205

The crusaders were diverted from fighting muslims to fighting other christians. They captured and looted the capital, Constantinopole.

Fall of Constantinopole

1453

The Ottoman Empire conquered the capital under the leadership of Mehmet II and took over the government.