The Byzantine Empire: Constantinople, Justinian Code & Hagia Sophia
Encyclopedia/3. History, Societies & Civilizations/04. European Civilizations & Empires/01. Classical Antiquity • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, spanned over a thousand years from the founding of Constantinople in 330 CE to its fall in 1453 CE. This timeline covers key events including the reign of Justinian I, construction of the Hagia Sophia, invention of Greek Fire, and the Ottoman conquest.
Chronological Storyline (47 Milestones)
May 11, 330 CE
Founding of Constantinople
Emperor Constantine I dedicates the new capital of the Roman Empire, Byzantium, renamed Constantinople, on the site of ancient Greek city Byzantium. The city becomes the center of the Eastern Roman Empire for over a millennium. #history #byzantine
Founding of Constantinople By Cplakidas - Own work using: Main map source: R. Janin, Constantinople Byzantine. Developpement urbain et repertoire topographique Road network and some other details based on Dumbarton Oaks Papers 54 Data on many churches, especially unidentified ones, taken from the New York University's The Byzantine Churches of Istanbul project Other published maps and accounts of the city have been used for corroboration., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5084599
May 22, 337 CE
Death of Constantine the Great
Constantine I dies, leading to a division of the empire among his sons. His legacy includes the foundation of Constantinople and the legalization of Christianity. #history #byzantine
Death of Constantine the Great By Merulana - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=126701466
Aug 9, 378 CE
Battle of Adrianople
Roman forces under Emperor Valens are defeated by the Goths, marking a major barbarian victory. This event weakens the Western Roman Empire and foreshadows its eventual collapse. #history #battle
Battle of Adrianople By Bitva_u_Adrianopole.gif: Elias84 derivative work: Dipa_1965 (talk) - Bitva_u_Adrianopole.gif, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10962540
May 1, 381 CE
First Council of Constantinople
The second ecumenical council affirms the Nicene Creed and condemns Arianism. It establishes Constantinople as the second most important see after Rome. #religion #christianity
First Council of Constantinople By Unknown author - Das mittelalterliche Byzanz, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7320288
Jan 17, 395 CE
Permanent Division of the Roman Empire
Upon the death of Emperor Theodosius I, the Roman Empire is permanently divided into Eastern and Western halves. The Eastern half evolves into the Byzantine Empire. #history #romans
Permanent Division of the Roman Empire By Mnohohrishnyi - Own work, based mainly on "The New Roman Empire: A History of Byzantium" by Anthony Kaldellis, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=190907815
425 CE
Foundation of the University of Constantinople
Emperor Theodosius II establishes the Pandididakterion, a higher education institution that becomes a center of learning. It preserves classical knowledge for centuries. #education #history
Foundation of the University of Constantinople By Afurkanakin - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=116992946
Jun 22, 431 CE
Council of Ephesus
The Third Ecumenical Council affirms the title Theotokos (Mother of God) for the Virgin Mary, condemning Nestorianism. It deepens divisions within Christianity. #religion #christianity
Council of Ephesus By User:Palamède, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66432217
Oct 8, 451 CE
Council of Chalcedon
The Fourth Ecumenical Council defines the dual nature of Christ, leading to the split with Oriental Orthodox churches. It establishes the supremacy of the See of Constantinople. #religion #christianity
Council of Chalcedon By Vasily Surikov - https://www.wikiart.org/en/vasily-surikov/fourth-ecumenical-council-of-chalcedon-1876, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17537798
Sep 4, 476 CE
Fall of the Western Roman Empire
The last Western Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, is deposed by Odoacer. The Eastern Roman Empire continues, now often referred to as the Byzantine Empire. #history #romans
Fall of the Western Roman Empire By Roke (d) - Background map based on Image:BlankMap-Europe-v3.png Data from: Colin McEvedy, Penguin Atlas of Ancient History John Haywood, Atlas of Past Times DK Atlas of world history detailed Roman empire Expansion map at Uni of Texas See also maps at external links, four stage animated map of the roman empire[dead link], more detailed animated map of roman empire, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=844877
Aug 1, 527 CE
Coronation of Justinian I
Justinian I becomes Byzantine emperor, beginning a reign marked by ambitious reconquests, legal reforms, and architectural achievements. He is considered one of the greatest Byzantine rulers. #history #byzantine
Coronation of Justinian I By Petar Milošević - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40035957
Apr 7, 529 CE
Publication of the Codex Justinianus
Justinian I issues the first part of the Corpus Juris Civilis, a codification of Roman law. This legal code influences European law for centuries. #law #history
Publication of the Codex Justinianus By IusRomanum - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78807015
Jan 13, 532 CE
Nika Riots
A major uprising in Constantinople nearly topples Justinian I. The riots are quelled by forces led by generals Belisarius and Mundus, with tens of thousands killed. #history #revolt
Nika Riots By Dennis G. Jarvis - Turkey-03228 - Hippodrome of Constantinople, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=66987701
Dec 27, 537 CE
Dedication of the Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, is completed under Justinian I. It serves as the Eastern Orthodox cathedral for nearly 1,000 years. #architecture #religion
Dedication of the Hagia Sophia By Adli Wahid - Imported from 500px (archived version) by the Archive Team. (detail page), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71442817
541 CE
Plague of Justinian
A devastating pandemic sweeps through the Byzantine Empire, killing millions and weakening the empire. It is considered one of the deadliest plagues in history. #plague #history
Plague of Justinian By Josse Lieferinxe - Unknown source, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=539827
542 CE
Battle of Taginae
Byzantine general Narses defeats the Ostrogoths in Italy, leading to the final defeat of the Ostrogothic Kingdom. Italy comes under Byzantine control. #battle #history
Battle of Taginae By A.Cython - .mw-parser-output .treeview ul{padding:0;margin:0}.mw-parser-output .treeview li{padding:0;margin:0;list-style-type:none;list-style-image:none}.mw-parser-output .treeview li li{background:url("https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/Treeview-grey-line.png")no-repeat 0 -2981px;padding-left:21px;text-indent:0.3em}.mw-parser-output .treeview li li:last-child{background-position:0 -5971px}.mw-parser-output .treeview li.emptyline>ul>.mw-empty-elt:first-child+.emptyline,.mw-parser-output .treeview li.emptyline>ul>li:first-child{background-position:0 9px} Totila's campaign Verona (Bury pp. 229–230) Faventia (Bury p. 230) Mucellium (Bury pp. 230–231) Naples (Bury pp. 231–232) Hydruntum (Bury p. 234) Rome (Bury pp. 236–244, 249–252) Sicily (Bury p. 255) Narses's campaign Salona+Taginae (Bury p. 261–268) Rome (Bury p. 270) Mons Lactarius (Bury p. 270–274) Frankish invasion (Bury p. 274–281) Source: Bury, John Bagnell (1923). History of the Later Roman Empire: From the Death of Theodosius I to the Death of Justinian. Vol. 2, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=185400403
May 5, 553 CE
Second Council of Constantinople
The Fifth Ecumenical Council condemns the Three Chapters and attempts to reconcile differing Christian factions. It deepens theological controversies. #religion #christianity
Second Council of Constantinople By Dionisius - http://www.dionisy.com/rus/museum/124/349/index.shtml, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=97169739
Nov 14, 565 CE
Death of Justinian I
Justinian I dies, leaving an empire that has expanded but is overstretched. His reign leaves a lasting legacy in law, architecture, and culture. #history #byzantine
Oct 5, 610 CE
Heraclius Becomes Emperor
Heraclius usurps the throne after a revolt, beginning a new dynasty. He leads the empire through wars with Persia and the rise of Islam. #history #byzantine
Heraclius Becomes Emperor By Classical Numismatic Group - NumisBids, originally from CNG, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=112987672
Jul 29, 626 CE
Siege of Constantinople by Avars and Persians
A combined Avar and Persian army besieges Constantinople, but the city holds out. This victory is attributed to the Virgin Mary and boosts morale. #history #military )
Siege of Constantinople by Avars and Persians By Original: Constantine Manasses - Scanned from book "Miniatures from the Manasses Chronicle", Ivan Duichev, "Bulgarski hudojnik" Publishing house, Sofia, 1962, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3511648
Dec 12, 627 CE
Battle of Nineveh
Heraclius defeats the Sassanid Persian army, leading to a decisive Byzantine victory. The Persian Empire is weakened and later collapses. #battle #history )
Battle of Nineveh By Robinet Testard - This file comes from Gallica Digital Library and is available under the digital ID ark:/12148/btv1b85295204/f11.item, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=42258667
638 CE
Fall of Jerusalem to Arabs
Jerusalem surrenders to the Rashidun Caliphate after a siege. The Byzantine era of control over the Holy Land ends. #history #middleeast )
Fall of Jerusalem to Arabs By Mohammad Adil (talk) - I created this work entirely by myself.Transferred from en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17975049
674 CE
First Arab Siege of Constantinople
The Umayyad Caliphate besieges Constantinople. The Byzantines use Greek fire, a secret incendiary weapon, to repel the Arab fleet. #history #military )
First Arab Siege of Constantinople By Cplakidas - Own work using: Base map: Sea of Marmara map.png, slightly edited. Locations and names of settlements taken from: C. Mango & G. Dagron (eds.), Constantinople and its Hinterland, Variorum 1995, pp. xii-xiii, 110-111, 208, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22706377
Jul 15, 717 CE
Second Arab Siege of Constantinople
A massive Arab force besieges Constantinople. The Byzantines, led by Leo III, use Greek fire and a harsh winter to defeat the attackers. #history #military )
Second Arab Siege of Constantinople By 47-manasses-chronicle.jpg: Original: Constantine Manasses derivative work: Stegop - This file was derived from: 47-manasses-chronicle.jpg:, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20336270
726 CE
Beginning of Iconoclasm
Emperor Leo III orders the destruction of religious icons, sparking the Iconoclastic Controversy. This conflict divides the empire for over a century. #religion #history
Beginning of Iconoclasm By Unknown author, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=579440
Sep 24, 787 CE
Second Council of Nicaea
The Seventh Ecumenical Council restores the veneration of icons, ending the first Iconoclasm. It affirms that honor given to icons passes to the prototype. #religion #christianity
Second Council of Nicaea By Authors of Menologion of Basil II (circa 985 AC, Constantinople), Byzantine manuscript illuminators[1]: Pantoleon with Georgios, Michael the Younger, Michael of Blachernae, Symeon, Symeon of Blachernae, Menas, and Nestor (Online on Vatican site) - http://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS_Vat.gr.1613/0130?sid=a7590df9b8aca22111c8359533716419, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8914889
Mar 11, 843 CE
Triumph of Orthodoxy
Icon veneration is permanently restored under Empress Theodora. This event is celebrated annually in the Eastern Orthodox Church. #religion #history
Triumph of Orthodoxy By anonymous - National Icon Collection (18), British Museum, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7306236
Sep 24, 867 CE
Basil I Assumes Power
Basil I becomes emperor, founding the Macedonian dynasty. His reign marks a period of cultural renaissance and military expansion. #history #byzantine
Basil I Assumes Power By AnonymousUnknown author - Homily of Saint Gregory the Theologian (Paris Gregory, MS Gr. 510 fol. Bv) For an analysis, see: Brubaker, Leslie (1999) "Basil I and visual panegyric" in Vision and Meaning in Ninth-Century Byzantium: Image as Exegesis in the Homilies of Gregory of Nazianzus, Cambridge University Press, pp. 147−193 ISBN: 9780521621533. From p. 6: "... the underdrawing now visible beneath the badly flaked f. Bv [...] The underdrawing anticipates the final composition on f. Cv, and most scholars have assumed that it is a preliminary sketch for that page, a portrait of Basil flanked by Gabriel and Elijah.", CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=111798952
Jul 31, 904 CE
Sack of Thessalonica
A Saracen fleet captures and sacks Thessalonica, the second-largest city of the Byzantine Empire. This highlights the empire's vulnerability to naval raids. #history #disaster )
Sack of Thessalonica By Cplakidas, from 12th century manuscript - Scanned from edition of the Skylitzes Chronicle, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7567313
1018 CE
Byzantine Conquest of Bulgaria
Emperor Basil II completes the subjugation of the Bulgarian Empire. Bulgaria becomes a Byzantine province for nearly two centuries. #history #war
Byzantine Conquest of Bulgaria By from the Middle Ages, unknown - Manasses Chronicle - Vatican manuscript (XIV century), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3460775
Jul 16, 1054 CE
Great Schism
The mutual excommunication between Pope Leo IX and Patriarch Michael I Cerularius formalizes the split between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. #religion #christianity
Aug 26, 1071 CE
Battle of Manzikert
Byzantine forces under Emperor Romanus IV Diogenes are defeated by the Seljuk Turks. This opens Anatolia to Turkish settlement and weakens the empire. #battle #history
Battle of Manzikert By O.Mustafin - https://www.worldhistory.org/image/8057/battle-of-manzikert/ https://www.worldhistory.org/trans/tr/2-1189/malazgirt-muharebesi/, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=163201004
Apr 4, 1081 CE
Alexius I Comnenus Becomes Emperor
Alexius I founds the Comnenian dynasty and initiates reforms. He appeals to the West for help against the Turks, sparking the First Crusade. #history #byzantine
Alexius I Comnenus Becomes Emperor By Alexios1komnenos.jpg: UnknownUnknown derivative work: Constantine ✍ - Alexios1komnenos.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=11349375
Aug 15, 1096 CE
First Crusade Arrives in Constantinople
The First Crusade arrives at Constantinople, where Alexius I negotiates with its leaders. The crusade leads to the capture of Jerusalem but strains Byzantine relations with the West. #history #crusades
First Crusade Arrives in Constantinople By Unknown author - Egerton ms. 1500, fol. 45v [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4681497
Oct 1, 1147 CE
Second Crusade Passes Through Byzantium
The Second Crusade, led by King Louis VII of France and Emperor Conrad III of Germany, crosses Byzantine territory. Conflicts arise between crusaders and Byzantines. #history #crusades
Second Crusade Passes Through Byzantium By Jean Colombe - This file comes from Gallica Digital Library and is available under the digital ID btv1b72000271/f320, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3108659
Sep 17, 1176 CE
Battle of Myriokephalon
Byzantine Emperor Manuel I Komnenos is defeated by the Seljuk Turks. This victory secures Seljuk control over Anatolia and ends Byzantine hopes of reconquest. #battle #history
Battle of Myriokephalon By Unknown author, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=649889
Apr 13, 1204 CE
Fourth Crusade Sacks Constantinople
Crusaders from the Fourth Crusade capture and loot Constantinople, establishing the Latin Empire. This event devastates the Byzantine Empire and deepens East-West animosity. #history #crusades
Fourth Crusade Sacks Constantinople By Loyset Liédet - 15th century miniature. [1] « Croniques abregies commençans au temps de Herode Antipas, persecuteur de la chrestienté, et finissant l'an de grace mil IIc et LXXVI », ou « livre traittant en brief des empereurs », par David Aubert. Tome II f 205r, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3107592
Jul 25, 1261 CE
Reconquest of Constantinople
Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos recaptures Constantinople from the Latin Empire, restoring the Byzantine Empire. The Palaiologian dynasty rules until the final fall. #history #byzantine
Reconquest of Constantinople By No machine-readable author provided. CrniBombarder!!! assumed (based on copyright claims). - No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1323455
Mar 30, 1282 CE
Sicilian Vespers
A popular uprising in Sicily against Angevin rule. The Byzantine Empire supports the rebels indirectly, weakening its enemies. #history #revolt
Sicilian Vespers By Giovanni Villani - Nuova Cronica, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113915738
1300 CE
Rise of the Ottoman Emirate
The Ottoman emirate begins as a small state in Anatolia, expanding at the expense of Byzantine territories. It eventually becomes the Ottoman Empire. #history #ottoman
Rise of the Ottoman Emirate By User:Orwellianist - File:German soldiers celebrate Christmas in Ottoman Empire during WW1.jpg File:Nordenfelt submarine Abdülhamid.jpg Ottoman submarine Abdülhamid (1886) File:Declaration of the 1908 Revolution in Ottoman Empire.png Photo from 1908 http://www.tayyareci.com/digerucaklar/turkiye/preww1/Bleriot%20XI%20b%20TuAF.jpg - Photo from 1912 http://www.manorhouse.clara.net/book2/chapter18.htm (image), alternative link - Photo from 1914 http://www.manorhouse.clara.net/book2/chapter21.htm image - Photo from 1914 File:SultanahmetMitingi.jpg Photo from 1919 http://www.tayyareci.com/digerucaklar/turkiye/ww1/gothawd12.jpg - Photo from 1915 http://www.tayyareci.com/digerucaklar/turkiye/ww1/gothawd2.jpg - Photo from 1915 http://www.tayyareci.com/digerucaklar/turkiye/ww1/gothawd13.jpg - Photo from 1915 http://www.tayyareci.com/digerucaklar/turkiye/ww1/sakir_feyzi_resimleri2.jpg - Photo from 1915 http://www.tayyareci.com/digerucaklar/turkiye/ww1/S.P.A.D13.JPG - Photo from 1918 http://www.tayyareci.com/digerucaklar/turkiye/kurtulus/fiat-r2.jpg - Photo from 1920 http://www.tayyareci.com/digerucaklar/turkiye/kurtulus/breguet14b2.jpg - Photo from 1922 http://www.tayyareci.com/digerucaklar/turkiye/kurtulus/nieuport27-2.jpg - Photo from 1922 File:Bundesarchiv Bild 146-2005-0086, Kaiser Wilhelm II in Konstantinopel.jpg File:Ceremony to decolate the flag of 27th Regiment with Imtiyaz Medals.jpg File:Ottoman troops with flag.jpg File:Ottoman Navy at the Golden Horn.jpg - Postcard from 1914 http://www.osmanzengin.com/ESKi__iSTANBUL/kararkoy02.jpg - Postcard from 1920 http://www.osmanzengin.com/ESKi__iSTANBUL/tepebasi.jpg - Postcard from 1920 http://www.vicmart.com/ext/en/exrw/item=1416 - Ottoman medal from 1850 File:Aff_ciwl_orient_express4_jw.jpg - 1888-1889 season timetable of the Orient Express File:Ottoman conquests.jpg - Ottoman map from 1914, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7112828
Jun 15, 1341 CE
Start of the Byzantine Civil War
The death of Emperor Andronikos III Palaiologos triggers a destructive civil war between John V Palaiologos and John VI Kantakouzenos. This weakens the empire. #history #war
Start of the Byzantine Civil War By Uploaded by Cplakidas - Portrait from the manuscript of the "Works of Hippocrates", from the 1340s. Image found at the exhibition of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Manuscript located at the Bibliothèque Nationale de France, Département des Manuscrits, Paris (cod. graecus 2144), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3677438
Mar 2, 1354 CE
Ottoman Capture of Gallipoli
An earthquake destroys the walls of Gallipoli, allowing the Ottomans to capture the city. This gives them a foothold in Europe. #history #ottoman
1369 CE
Ottoman Capture of Adrianople
The Ottomans capture Adrianople (Edirne), making it their new capital. This city becomes the base for further expansion into the Balkans. #history #ottoman
Ottoman Capture of Adrianople By Tevfik Teker - https://web.archive.org/web/20161031053601/http://www.panoramio.com/photo/97343764, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57140923
Sep 25, 1396 CE
Battle of Nicopolis
A crusader army from Europe is decisively defeated by the Ottomans. This victory solidifies Ottoman control over the Balkans. #battle #history
Battle of Nicopolis By Sébastien Mamerot - Sébastien Mamerot, Les Passages d’Outremer, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=16193258
Jul 20, 1402 CE
Battle of Ankara
Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I is defeated by Timur (Tamerlane), leading to an Ottoman civil war. This provides a temporary respite for Byzantium. #battle #history
Battle of Ankara By 1436 artist - This image has been extracted from another file, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=156847250
Jun 10, 1422 CE
Siege of Constantinople by Murad II
Ottoman Sultan Murad II besieges Constantinople but fails to capture it. The Byzantines use urban defenses and the arrival of reinforcements to hold out. #history #military )
Siege of Constantinople by Murad II By No machine-readable author provided. Briain assumed (based on copyright claims). - No machine-readable source provided. Own work assumed (based on copyright claims)., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=650395
Nov 10, 1444 CE
Battle of Varna
A crusader army led by King Władysław III of Poland and Hungary is annihilated by the Ottomans. The defeat ends Western efforts to relieve Byzantium. #battle #history
Battle of Varna By Jan Matejko - former image source www.pinakoteka.zascianek.pl; current image source [1], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2823126
May 29, 1453 CE
Fall of Constantinople
Ottoman forces under Sultan Mehmed II capture Constantinople after a 53-day siege. The Byzantine Empire ends, and the city becomes the Ottoman capital. #history #byzantine #ottoman
Fall of Constantinople By DimiTalen - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=140075738
