Introduction The Battle of Manzikert, fought on August 26, 1071, was a confrontation between the Byzantine Empire and the Seljuk Turks that unequivocally altered the course of medieval history. This engagement took place in the region of Manzikert, near modern-day Malazgirt in Turkey, and its repercussions were felt across the Christian and Muslim worlds. Both …

Early Life and Ascension to the Throne Constantine V, born in 718 AD, was the son of Emperor Leo III and heir to the Byzantine Empire. From a young age, Constantine was immersed in the political and cultural environment of the empire, receiving a robust education that prepared him for the complexities of leadership. His …

The Madrid Skylitzes Introduction: The Madrid Skylitzes, also known as the Synopsis of Histories, is a medieval illuminated manuscript that offers a captivating glimpse into the rich and vibrant history of the Byzantine Empire. Compiled in the 12th century by John Skylitzes, a Byzantine historian and bureaucrat, this magnificent work of art and scholarship has …

The Plague of Justinian In the year 542 AD, a catastrophic event unfolded that would forever alter the course of Byzantine history. The Plague of Justinian, named after the reigning Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, swept through the Eastern Roman Empire, leaving a trail of death and destruction in its wake.  Origins and Spread The Plague …

5 Amazing Byzantine Sites to Visit in Istanbul 1. Hagia Sophia The Hagia Sophia is a magnificent monument that has stood for centuries. It has a rich history, from being a church to a mosque and now a museum. The Hagia Sophia is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Turkey, and it is …

The Sack of Constantinople in 1204 The Sack of Constantinople – The Crusaders Capture the Byzantine Empire’s Capital on 13th April 1204. The Crusades, a series of religious wars fought between Christians and Muslims during the medieval period, are often associated with the Holy Land and the battles for control over Jerusalem. However, one of …

The Life of Nikephoros Phocas Nikephoros Phocas, also known as Nikephoros II Phocas, was a prominent Byzantine general and later Emperor who lived from 912 to 969 AD. He was born in the province of Cappadocia, located in modern-day central Turkey, which was then part of the Byzantine Empire. As a young man, Nikephoros Phocas …

The Life of Belisarius  Flavius Belisarius was a Byzantine general who lived during the reign of the Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century AD. He was one of the most successful generals of the Byzantine Empire and is considered to be one of the greatest military commanders in history. In this blog, we will …