HANDOUT FOR OCT. 30: THE EASTERN EMPIRE
The Eastern Roman Empire, which survives until 1453, is also commonly called (by modern scholars) the Byzantine Empire.
330: Foundation of Constantinople on the site of the ancient Greek town of Byzantium.
395: Formal and final division of the empire into eastern and western halves.
395-408: Arcadius emperor.
408-450: Theodosius II emperor.
399-453: Pulcheria, sister of Theodosius and power behind the throne.
527-565: Justinian emperor.
Events of his reign:
532: Nika Riots; much of city burned. Construction begins on Hagia Sophia.
533: Codification of Roman Law in the Corpus Iuris Civilis.
533: Africa conquered from Vandals.
535-560: War against the Ostrogoths successful, but leaves Italy devastated.
540: Bubonic plague ("Black Death") ravages the Mediterranean.
Theodora, Justinian’s empress.
Belisarius, Justinian’s general.
Procopius, court propagandist and also author of the Secret History.
568: Lombards invade and conquer parts of Italy.
590-602: Maurice emperor, until assassinated.
602-610: Usurpation and reign of Phocas.
610-641: Reign of Heraclius.
591-628: Khusro II, King of Kings of Persia.
612-628: Long war between eastern Romans and Persians.
614: Persians sack Jerusalem, carry off the Cross.
626: Persians and Avars besiege Constantinople.
628: Heraclius sacks Persian capital. Peace treaty made, leaving both empires exhausted.