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Period: 300 to Dec 31, 1500
Byzantine Empire
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330
Emperor Constantine I Founded the Byzantine Capital
German invaders were harshly attacking the Roman empire in the west forcing Emperor Constantine to move their base to the eastern Mediterranean. After this Constantine rebuilt the Greek city Byzantium and renamed it Constantinople after himself. He then made this the new capital with roads going out to the Balkans, the Middle East, and North Africa. It also had a great location surrounded by water and three sides and near important trade routes that connected Europe and Asia. -
530
General Belisarius Military Campaigns
Under general Belisarius the Byzantines were able to reconquer North Africa, Italy, and the southern Iberian peninsula in over 15 years of campaigns. However these conquers did not last as they were taken again in future generations. They also cost a lot of money causing the empire troubles and weakened their defenses in the east. -
532
Nika revolt (riots)
The Nika riots in 532 was the most vioent riot in
constantinople's history. It took place oover one week. In that week nearly half the city was burned and thousands of people died. -
537
Hagia Sophia Completed
After riots and a fire in Constantinople destroyed many buildings Justinian started a program to "restore Roman glory". He did this by rebuilding buildings, especially the Hagia Sophia church, to make them even better than they were before. He added things like colored marble and embroidered silk curtains to make the place of worship even more incredible. -
Jan 1, 600
Early Islamic military campaigns into Byzantine territory
In the 600s and 700s Arab armies, bringing Islam with them, overran Welthy Byzantine provinces like Egypt and Syria. They then attempted to take over Constantinople as well but lost. -
Jan 1, 1054
Great Schism
The Great Schism was the split between the Roman and Byzantine churches. The crusades under the lead of Pope Urban II were trying to mend this split. They came close but didn't succede. -
Jan 1, 1095
Emperor Alexius I contacts Pope Urban II for military help in Middle East
In 1095 Seljuk Turks were posing a big threat to the Byzantines. The Turks had already taken over most Byzantine land in Asia Minor and took power of the Holy Land. The Byzantines needed help and so Alexius asked Pope Urban II for Christian knights to help fight. They put aside their differences and the pope agreed to help. -
Jan 1, 1204
Fourth Crusade (attack on Constantinople)
During the Fourth Crusade crusaders diverted their attention from fighting Muslims to fighting Christians. The crusaders also helped merchants defeat their Byzantine trade rivals.They then "captured and looted Constantinople, the Byzantine capital." While this was happening Muslim armies captured the last Christian outpost and killed the Christians that lived ther(1291). -
Jan 1, 1453
Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks (official end to Byzantines)
By the time the Ottoman Turks came the Byzantines had already lost most of their land. They were finally conquered once and for all by the Ottoman Turks in 1453 led by Mehmet II. -
Emperor Basil II military conquests of Bulgaria
Between 986 and 1014 the Byzantines were at war with Bulgaria led by emperor Basil II. After many years Basil finally made it to the capital, Ochrida, and won.
