Timeline of the Byzantine Empire: 533 to 1071

Between 533 and 554, generals representing Justinian once again take over North Africa and Italy , scooping the territories from the Vandals and the Ostrogoths.

In case you were unaware, the Vandals were of East Germanic origins, which became part of the late Roman Empire sometime during the 5th century. The Ostrogoths (also known as the Eastern Goths) were another East Germanic tribe that played a significant role in many political changes associated with the late Roman Empire. In history, the Vandals and the Ostrogoths were linked by a marriage that made them allies.

In 568, the Lombard invasion takes place and as a result , most of Italy is lost.

Between 634 and 641, Arab armies take over the Levant and Egypt. The decades that follow see the seizure of the majority of North Africa. Later on, they were able to conquer Sicily too.

The remaining Italian territories of the Empires were lost in a series of events that took place during two different time periods , between 730 and 787; and between 813 and 843.

Between 843 and 1025, the Macedonian dynasty emerges and the Empire is once again strong, as the military becomes more powerful. At this time, the number of territories associated with the Empire increase. At this time, Byzantine scholars make it a habit to preserve historical records that include many ancient texts of the Romans and Greeks.

Between 1002 and 1018, an Emperor named Basil II wages a campaign against the Bulgarians. It is his intention to destroy the Bulgar state. The Bulgarians were Iranian inhabitants, who spoke a language derived from a South Slavic group, which is typically connected to the Republic of Bulgaria. Actually, Basil II (also nicknamed “the Bulgar-Slayer” or “Basil the Young”) reigned during the Macedonian dynasty. Under his guidance, the Byzantine Empire would see its greatest achievements in close to five centuries.

Unfortunately, in 1014 , the Bulgarian army is demolished during the Battle of Kleidon. This is when Basil II assumes the nickname of “the Bulgar-Slayer.”

In 1018, Bulgaria waves the white flag and is then annexed to the empire. The entire destination of the Balkans is grouped into the Byzantine Empire. The Danube is also included.

In 1025, Basil II dies and the height of the Empire is lost. This will mark the slow descent of the Byzantine Empire.

1054 marks the year when the Schism takes place. Basically, the Church in Rome and the Church in Constantinople splits.

In 1071, the Emperor Romanos IV loses to the Seljuk Turks in what is called the Battle of Manzikert.

In Part 3 of “Timeline of the Byzantine Empire,” you will encounter the final installment of the timeline, which take a look at the Komnenos dynasty and the importance of Manual I Komnenos; the Battle of Myriokephalon; and the final events that led to the fall of the Byzantine Empire.