Curated timeline

Byzantine Empire

The eastern continuation of Rome. A millennium of survival, preserving Greek and Roman culture, Orthodox Christianity, and the marvels of Constantinople.

• Foundation of Constantinople (May 11, 330)

  Emperor Constantine I officially dedicates Constantinople as the 'New Rome', creating the capital that would define the Byzantine Empire for over a millennium.

• Permanent Division of the Roman Empire (January 17, 395)

  Theodosius I dies, leading to the permanent division of the Roman Empire between his sons and marking the beginning of the Byzantine Empire.

• Reign of Justinian I Begins (527 CE)

  Justinian I becomes emperor, beginning the most celebrated reign in Byzantine history with ambitious reconquest and building programs.

• Nika Riots (532 CE)

  Massive urban uprising in Constantinople nearly topples Justinian's government until Empress Theodora's resolve helps save the throne.

• Completion of the Corpus Juris Civilis (534 CE)

  Justinian's legal code is completed, becoming the foundation of European law and preserving Roman legal traditions.

• Completion of Hagia Sophia (537 CE)

  The architectural marvel is completed under Justinian, becoming the world's largest cathedral for nearly 1,000 years.

• Plague of Justinian (541-549 CE)

  The first recorded pandemic of bubonic plague devastates the empire, killing an estimated 40% of Constantinople's population.

• Battle of Dara (530 CE)

  Belisarius defeats the Sassanid Persians, establishing his reputation as Justinian's greatest general.

• Reconquest of North Africa (533-534 CE)

  Belisarius conquers the Vandal Kingdom, restoring Byzantine control over North Africa and demonstrating imperial military capability.

• Gothic War in Italy (535-554 CE)

  Prolonged campaign to reconquer Italy from the Ostrogoths, ultimately successful but devastating to the peninsula.

• Reign of Heraclius Begins (610 CE)

  Heraclius overthrows Phocas and begins major administrative and military reforms, Hellenizing the empire.

• Siege of Constantinople by Avars and Persians (626 CE)

  The capital survives a coordinated attack by land and sea, attributed to divine intervention and strengthening Christian identity.

• Battle of Nineveh (627 CE)

  Heraclius defeats the Sassanid Persians decisively, ending the last great Roman-Persian war.

• Battle of Yarmuk (636 CE)

  Decisive Arab victory over Byzantine forces leads to the permanent loss of the Levant, ending Byzantine presence in the Holy Land.

• Loss of Egypt to Arabs (642 CE)

  The wealthy province of Egypt falls to Arab conquest, depriving Byzantium of its grain supply and significant tax revenues.

• First Arab Siege of Constantinople (674-678 CE)

  The capital withstands a prolonged Arab siege, with Greek fire playing a crucial defensive role.

• Second Arab Siege of Constantinople (717-718 CE)

  Emperor Leo III successfully defends the capital against another massive Arab assault, securing Byzantine survival.

• Beginning of Iconoclasm (726 CE)

  Leo III initiates the destruction of religious images, creating a theological and political crisis that divides the empire.

• Battle of Akroinon (740 CE)

  Major Byzantine victory over the Arabs under Constantine V marks the beginning of military recovery and territorial reconquest.

• Second Council of Nicaea (787 CE)

  The ecumenical council temporarily ends the first period of Iconoclasm under Empress Irene, restoring icon veneration.

• Coronation of Charlemagne (800 CE)

  The Pope's coronation of Charlemagne as Roman Emperor challenges Byzantine claims to Roman succession.

• Second Iconoclasm (815-843 CE)

  Another period of image destruction under Leo V ends with the 'Triumph of Orthodoxy' under Empress Theodora.

• Mission of Cyril and Methodius (863 CE)

  The 'Apostles to the Slavs' create the Glagolitic alphabet and begin Christianizing Slavic peoples, extending Byzantine influence.

• Reign of Basil I Begins (867 CE)

  Founder of the Macedonian Dynasty initiates legal reforms, territorial reconquests, and a cultural renaissance.

• Baptism of Boris I of Bulgaria (864 CE)

  Bulgaria's conversion to Orthodox Christianity extends Byzantine religious and cultural influence over the Balkans.

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