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330
A New Capital
Emperor Constantine created a new capital for the Roman Empire, Constantinople. The empire split into East and West in AD335. When Rome fell in 476, Constantinople became the capital for the Byzantine Empire. -
527
Justinian I - A New Law
When Justinian became emperor, there were a few changes to the Byzantine Empire. First, he reformed and recodified the Roman law, establishing a Byzantine Legal Code that endured for centuries, and helped shape the modern concept of state. Justinian extented the territory from most of the Mediterrian Sea area, conquering parts of the old Roman Empire, including North Africa. -
565
Effect of Justinian
The Byzantine Empire now regined supreme in Europe, but it was left with many large war debts, and as a consquent of the new territory the army was once again spread thin. -
Jan 1, 631
Muslims Attack
The Muslims attack the Byzantine Empire through Syria. By the end of the 7th century, the Byzantine Empire lost Syria, the Holy Land, Egypt, and North Africa, along with other territories. -
Jan 1, 1095
The Crusades
War waged between Muslims and Western Christians between 1095 and 1291 AD. The Seijik Turks bore down on Constantinople, and Alexius I turned to the west for help, which turned into the "holy war" declared by Pope Urban II. France, Germany, and Italy poured into the Byzantine Empire and help recapture Nicea. But, as soon as Alexius had what he wanted, he retreat, and the Crusaders accused him of betrayal. -
Jan 1, 1261
Crumbling
The economy began to crumbling after the Palaiologan Emperors, starting with Michael VII. -
Jan 8, 1369
No Turning Back
John V was arrested as an insolvent debtor in Venice when he was seeking financial help to confront the growing Turkish threat. Four years later he was forced to become a vassal of the Turks, paying tribute to the sultan and provided military support. Under John’s successors, the empire gained occasional relief from the Turkish oppression. -
Jan 8, 1421
The End of Relief
Murad the II sultan marked the end of the relief. He revoked all privileges and plagued constantinople. -
May 29, 1453
The Fall of Constantinople
The siege was completed by his successor Mehmed II who launched the final attack on the city on May 29, 1453. He triumphantly entered Hagia Sophia, the cities leading mosque. Emperor Constantine XI died in battle. -
The Golden Age
During the 10th and 11th centuries, the Byzantine Empire saw its golden days. Though it was smaller than in Justinian's reign, it controlled more trade, more wealth, and more internation prestige. The imperial government patronized arts, restored churches, palaces, and other insitutions. Greek became the offical language, and the study of Greek literature and history was pushed.
