Justinian’s Plague: History and Major Facts
The Plague of Justinian (541–542 CE) was one of the most devastating pandemics in history, causing widespread mortality and societal upheaval across the Byzantine Empire and beyond. Named after the...
Tagged: Constantinople
Justinian the Great
Justinian I, also known as Justinian the Great, was a 6th century AD Byzantine emperor who reigned for close to four decades. He is best known for his numerous judicial...
Western Historians’ Somewhat Biased Labeling of the Eastern Roman Empire
The Eastern Roman Empire is commonly referred to as the Byzantine Empire by modern historians. Basically, the empire was the continuation of the Roman Empire in its eastern provinces during...
History of Michael VIII Palaiologos and how he liberated Constantinople from the Crusaders
Michael VIII Palaiologos, born in 1223, was a pivotal figure in Byzantine history, renowned for his role in restoring the Byzantine Empire’s capital to Constantinople in 1261 and ending the...
Who was John IV Laskaris?
John IV Doukas Laskaris was the last emperor of the Laskarid dynasty of the Empire of Nicaea, born to Emperor Theodore II Doukas Laskaris and Elena of Bulgaria. His rule...
Life and Major Accomplishments of Byzantine Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos
Michael VIII Palaiologos was a pivotal figure in Byzantine history, playing a significant role in the final chapters of the Byzantine Empire. Born around 1223, Michael rose to power during...
Most Famous cities of the Medieval World
During the medieval period, spanning roughly from the 5th to the late 15th century, cities across different regions flourished as centers of trade, religion, culture, and governance. Some of these...
8 Major Cities Founded by the Romans
The Roman Empire, at its height, spanned across Europe, Asia, and Africa, leaving behind a rich legacy of urban development. Many of the world’s major cities owe their origins to...
What is the controversy surrounding the Hagia Sophia?
The Hagia Sophia, a monument that encapsulates the layered history of Istanbul, Turkey, has been at the center of controversy due to its shifting status between a mosque and a...
What are the Byzantine Empire’s Most Important Accomplishments?
The Byzantine Empire, a term coined after its fall, was originally the eastern half of the Roman Empire. Following the division of the Roman Empire in the late 3rd century,...
When and how did the Byzantine Empire fall?
The Byzantine Empire, sometimes referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire, stood as a beacon of Christian civilization and Hellenistic culture for over a millennium. Rooted in the 4th century...
8 Most Famous Libraries of the Ancient World
Throughout the ancient world, several libraries stood as centers of knowledge, culture, and power. These institutions not only preserved and transmitted knowledge but also functioned as spaces for research, learning,...
The Great Palace of Constantinople – The Magnificent Imperial Residence of the Eastern Roman Emperors
The Great Palace of Constantinople, also known as the Sacred Palace, was the imperial residence of the Byzantine emperors (i.e. the Eastern Roman Emperors) for more than 700 years. Located...
Justinian II: The Byzantine Emperor with a golden nose
The Byzantine Empire had its fair share of bad rulers. But what it never had was a bad ruler who, against all odds, managed to stage a successful comeback and...
Life, Military Campaigns, and Achievements of Belisarius, “The Last Roman General”
Flavius Belisarius was a prominent military commander in the Byzantine Empire, most notably under the reign of Emperor Justinian I (Justinian the Great). His challenging military campaigns, loyalty to the...
