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Definition
Byzantine Government
The government of the Byzantine Empire was headed and dominated by the emperor, but there were many other important officials who assisted in operating the finances, judiciary, military, and bureaucracy of a huge territory. Without elections...
Definition
Totila
Totila (birth name, Baduila-Badua r. 541-552 CE) was the last great king of the Ostrogoths in Italy. He was the nephew of the Gothic king Ildibad who was succeeded by Eraric the Rugian (d. 541 CE). The Goths of Italy felt that Eraric was...
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Trade in the Byzantine Empire
Trade and commerce were essential components of the success and expansion of the Byzantine Empire. Trade was carried out by ship over vast distances, although for safety, most sailing vessels were restricted to the better weather conditions...
Definition
Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire existed from 330 to 1453. It is often called the Eastern Roman Empire or simply Byzantium. The Byzantine capital was founded at Constantinople by Constantine I (r. 306-337). The Byzantine Empire varied in size over the...
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Justinian II & Tiberius
A gold coin depicting Byzantine emperor Justinian II (r. 685-95 & 705-11 CE) and his son Tiberius (d. 711 CE).
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Coin of Justinian II
A gold coin of Byzantine emperor Justinian II (r. 685-95 & 705-11 CE). This example is from his second reign. (Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com)
Article
The Hippodrome of Constantinople
The Hippodrome of Constantinople was an arena used for chariot racing throughout the Byzantine period. First built during the reign of Roman emperor Septimius Severus in the early 3rd century CE, the structure was made more grandiose by emperor...
Definition
Ostrogoth
The Ostrogoths were the eastern tribe of the Goths (a Germanic people) who rose in power in the area north of the Black Sea. The designation, Ostrogoth, taken to mean 'Eastern Goth', actually means 'Goths glorified by the rising sun' and...
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Mosaic with the Virgin Mary, Constantine and Justinian, Hagia Sophia
Mosaic panel located at the southwestern entrance of the basilica Hagia Sophia (Istanbul) depicting the emperor Constantine I holding a model of the city of Constantinople (right), the emperor Justinian I holding a model of Hagia Sophia (left...
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Justinian I
Detail of a contemporary portrait of Justinian I in the Basilica of San Vitale, Ravenna. The emperor's robe is of Tyrian purple.