History of the Byzantines

History of the Byzantines

Period: 300 to Jan 15, 1500

Emperor Constantine I Founded the Byzantine Capital

330

When the Germans were attacking Rome, Constantine and his successors moved their base to the eastern part of the Mediterranean. Here he rebuilt the Greek city of Byzantium and renames it after himself-Constantinople.

Nika Revolt (riots)

532

The riots lasted for an entire week. In that week, almost half of Constantinople was destroyed or burned. During the one week span tens of thousands of people were killed due to how violent the riots got. The riots supposedly started after a disagreement over chariot race teams.

General Belisarius Military Campaign

533

General Belisarius went on many military campaigns starting in the year 533. One campaign was with the Vandals. The Vandals were hurting the Byzantine's commerce by sending pirate raids on their trade interests. Justinian (who was the Byzantine leader at the time) also wanted more territory for the empire.

Hagia Sophia is Completed

537

Hagia Sophia was completed during Justinian's reign. Hagia Sophia was the 3rd church to occupy the area where it was built, after the others were destroyed by rioters. This church was dedicated to the wisdom of God, Logos, who was a part of the Holy Trinity. Hagia Sophia was known as the largest cathedral for 1,000 years before a bigger church was built. This cathedral was also known to hold holy relics among other items that were valuable.

Early Islamic military campaigns into Byzantine territory

Jan 1, 634

Muslim leader Muhammed received false information which claimed that the Byzantine forces were invading northern Arabia. Muhammed believed this and sent north to Tabouk (Present day Saudi Arabia). This was considered the first attack, even though the Byzantine forces weren't there.

Emperor Basil II military conquests of Bulgaria.

Jan 1, 986

Basil II sought to restore territory that the Byzantine Empire had before. Ever since the Bulgarians had started raiding in their territory around the year 976, him and the government wanted revenge on Bulgaria.

Great Schism

Jan 1, 1054

The eastern and western churches split into two different cathedrals. The east being the Greek Orthodox Church, while the west became known as the Roman Catholic Church. This split in religion was caused by a dispute over how much authority the pope had.

Emperor Alexios I contacts Pope Urban II for military help in the Middle East

Jan 1, 1095

When the Seljuk Turks conquered the city of Jerusalem, they banned Christians from enerting the town where Christianity started. Soon after they had took over the holy city, the Turks threatened to take Constantinople. This caused Emperor Alexios I to contact Pope Urban II for help against the Seljuk Turks.

Fourth Crusade (Attack on Constantinople)

Jan 1, 1202

In the year 1202, Constantinople is attacked by the Crusaders who consisted of the: Republic of Venice, Holy Roman Empire, Kingdom of France and many other countries/empires/kingdoms. The attack was initially intended for Jerusalem(which was controlled by the Muslims). Instead, the Crusaders turned their sights towards the Orthodox Christian city of Constantinople. The war ended on April 12th,1204 and the Crusaders had captured Constantinople.

Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks (official end to Byzantines)

Jan 1, 1453