Timeline, Research Paper Example

The Eastern Roman Empire, better known as the Byzantine Empire, had a distinct character while it maintained close contact with that of Ancient Rome.  Influenced by Greek culture and centered on its capital city of Constantinople, the Byzantine Empire would be extremely powerful and would last for over a thousand years.  The Empire would finally cease at the hands of the Ottoman Empire in the 15^th century.

532 – Justinian I solidifies power.  Five years after taking the throne, Justinian signed a peace treaty with Khosrau I of Persia.  He would aslo survive a revolt in Constantinople, what is known as the Nika riots.  The latter would solidify his power in his early reign (Evans 1992).

532 – Justinian finishes the current version of the Hagia Sophia.  Justinian also closed the philosophic school in Athens and these events would work to eradicate paganism. Justinian collided with groups due to his ecclesiastical policies.

610 – Heraclius establishes power.  This would mark an important dynasty in the Empire.  This period would last until 711.  Among other things, Heraclius would push monotheletism (Christology) for Christians.  Heraclius and his descendants held onto the throne amongst many threats.

680-1018 – Byzantine-Bulgarian Wars.  The long series of wars would have numerous implications.  However, the Byzantines were able to completely defeat the Bulgarians, when the country would become a part of the Empire.

780-1180 – Wars against Muslims.  These were plans of reconquest in the East.  The Byzantines had to switch between the offensive and defensive quite often.  They managed a number of victories, such as that of Edessa in 944 which was highly celebrated (Norwich 1992, 152-153).

850-1100 – Relationship with Kiev Rus.  This would be a great trading partner for Byzantium.  However, it was a mixed relationship.  Kiev would attack the Empire, though it remained an important relationship for the Empire.

Late 9^th to Early 11^th Centuries – Height of the (Byzantine) Empire.  Under the Macedonian emperors, there was a high level of security which allowed the population to rose.  Trade, education, and other areas were stimulated during this time.

907 – Rus’-Byzantine Treaty.  Kiev would attack the Empire, though never seriously threatening it.  The goal, from the standpoint of Kiev, was to force better trade treaties.  The Treaty would be recorded in the Primary Chronicle.

Early 11^th Century – Height of the (Roman) Empire.  The Roman Empire was at its height.  Annexation of parts of Georgia and Armenia was seen, along with the conquest of Bulgaria and eliminating the Egyptians outside of Antioch.  However, the East and Western split in the Christian Church would have consequences for Byzantium.

11^th Century – Serious threats and progress from enemies.  The Sljuq Turks would undertake a massive campaign in 1071, managing to capture Romanos Diogenes, the emperor; the Turks would establish a capital in Nicea and extend their rule.  In the meantime, the Byzantines were wiped out of southern Italy by the Normans.

1096 – The Crusades.  The Four Crusades would have lasting effects in Europe.  It also did much to weaken the Byzantine Empire, where the decline of the Empire was felt by the time of the Third Crusade.  Mixed with incompetent leaders, the fall of Constantinople and the Empire would be felt.

1361 – Constantinople is reclaimed.  This was accomplished by the Empire of Nicaea.  While it would lead to a revival, it would be short-lived.  Damage from the Fourth Crusade and surrounding enemies would not allow the Empire to fare well for long.

1321 – Civil wars.  In 1321 and again in 1341, Civil wars weakened the military power of Byzantine.  Each lasted at least six years, which led to the exploitation of the Empire by the Serbian Empire.

1354. Earthquake at Gallipoli. As the second Civil war of this period ended for the Byzantines, the Turks had subjugated the Serbians as vassals.  The earthquake allowed the Turks to cross into Europe due to the damaged fort.

1453 – Fall of Byzantine Empire.  Without consideration to its successors, the Empire fell in 1453.  Massively outnumbered, 80,000 Ottomans descended on Constatinople (Runciman 2000, 84-86).

References

Evans, James Allan.  1998.  “Justinian (527-565 A.D.).”  An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Emperors.”  http://www.roman-emperors.org/justinia.htm.

Norwich, John Julius.  Byzantium: The Apogee.  New York: Knopf, 1992.

Runciman, Steven.  The Fall of Constantinople 1453.  Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000.