Search
Search Results
Image
Helena of Constantinople
Statue of Saint Helena of Constantinople by Andrea Bolgi (1605-1656).
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican.
Definition
Empire of Trebizond
The Empire of Trebizond was an offshoot of the Byzantine Empire that existed from 1204 to 1461 CE, ruled by the Megas Komnenos Dynasty, descendants of the Komenos Byzantine emperors. The Empire of Trebizond has been far less researched than...
Image
Market in Constantinople (Artist's Impression)
An artist's depiction of a Near Eastern or Mediterranean marketplace in the Middle Ages, perhaps in the Byzantine Empire or Ottoman Empire. From the game Old World.
Definition
Byzantium
The ancient city of Byzantium was founded by Greek colonists from Megara around 657 BCE. According to the historian Tacitus, it was built on the European side of the Strait of Bosporus on the order of the “god of Delphi” who said...
Image
Plan of the Hippodrome of Constantinople
A plan showing the layout and location of the Hippodrome of Constantiople, in use from the 3rd to 13th century CE.
Definition
Michael IV the Paphlagonian
Michael IV the Paphlagonian was Byzantine emperor from 1034 to 1041 CE. He had an affair with Empress Zoe, then married her and was crowned emperor after the death of her first husband, Romanos III. He ran a competent regime that kept the...
Definition
Constantine IV
Constantine IV ruled as emperor of the Byzantine empire from 668 to 685 CE. His reign is best remembered today for the five-year Arab siege of Constantinople from 674 CE, which the Byzantines resisted thanks to their strong fortifications...
Definition
Leo VI
Leo VI was emperor of the Byzantine empire from 886-912 CE. He was the second emperor of the Macedonian dynasty and is sometimes known as “Leo the Wise” in reference to his prolific literary output which ranged from orations to...
Definition
Empress Zoe
Zoe Porphyrogenita was empress of the Byzantine Empire from 1028 CE until her death in 1050 CE. In an eventful career, she reigned alongside three husbands, had a hand in the succession of her adopted son, and, in 1042 CE, she was co-ruler...
Video
The City of Walls: Constantinople - Lars Brownworth
The world owes much of its cultural legacy to Constantinople's walls. When Constantinople was under seige by neighboring enemies, the Roman city's elaborate system of moats, outer walls, and inner walls stood tall. Surviving numerous fire...