a short overview of the Byzantine History, Culture and heritage

Chronological owerview of Byzantine (Ρωμαϊκή) Empire:

An advanded overview of the History and the Social situation in Byzantium during centuries of existence

Preface

When we speak of Byzantion, we use that word to describe the country, or say, dozen countries that had one thing in common. They were all unite around one city. We usually say, its name was Byzantium. But, We're right and wrong altogether. The people of the time we are researching called themselves Ρωμανοί (Romans), and that city - Κονσταντινούπολης. But, before 330 AD, the town was called just like that - Byzantion, if respect to Byzas, its legendary founder. And its natural that citizens of Byzantium are called Byzantines - ain't it?

Well, so-so. The people of that country were the same lived in Roman Empire. They continued to live like before - but, with one except - they became Christians. The first ruler who was baptised was St. Emperor Constantine. He organized the First Ekoumenical Council in refounded city of Constantinoples. It was the begining of the end of pagan era in Rome. And it all began there - in Byzantium. So, it's correct to call this country Byzantia (or in Latin version , Byzantium), or Eastern Rome.

Today it's of great importance to emphasize what do these names mean. For Orthodox people - it proofs Greek and Orthodox presence in that part of the world for centuries.

Byzantine History overview:

Byzantine History could be divided in three main parts :

• Early period (from Constantine till arab invasion),
• Middle Ages (from arab invasion till Konmin dynasty)
• Late Period (till 1453).
• (under turkish rule and) Emergence of Russian Empire
• from 1917 till these days - without an Emperor...

History events

• Events in the history of Byzantium - list of events (XML)