Eastern Roman Empire: Timeline, History, & Fall

The Eastern Roman Empire, also called the Byzantine Empire, was the continuation of the Roman Empire in its eastern provinces during Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. It ended with the fall of Constantinople in 1453 AD. Although it had lost some of its western territories, the Eastern Roman Empire continued to exist for nearly 1,000 years after the fall of Rome in 476 AD. Here is a brief overview of the history.

The Eastern Roman Empire was founded by Constantine I in 324 AD. He moved the imperial capital from Rome to Byzantium, which he renamed Constantinople. The Eastern Roman Empire reached its greatest extent under Justinian I, who ruled from 527 to 565 AD. At its height, the Eastern Roman Empire included Anatolia, Syria, Egypt, North Africa, Italy, Spain, Greece and much of Central and Eastern Europe.

Vikings Meet Romans

For most of its existence, the Eastern Roman Empire was the most powerful economic, cultural and military force in Europe. The Vikings were also aware of the wealth and power of the empire, and they sought to obtain a share of its riches. In 860 AD they attacked Constantinople for the first time. Although they were eventually repulsed, this raid marked the beginning of centuries of contact between the Vikings and the Eastern Roman Empire.

The Varangian Guard was an elite force of mercenaries who acted as personal bodyguards for the emperor. They were Varangians (better known as Vikings) who came from the north, and over time many members of the Varangiand Guard settled in Constantinople, further mixing Viking and Eastern Roman culture.

Fall of the Eastern Roman Empire

Over time, the power of the Eastern Roman Empire began to decline. This was due to a number of factors, including barbarian invasions, economic problems, religious differences between East and West, and personal rivalries within the imperial family. By the late Middle Ages, the Eastern Roman Empire was a shadow of its former self. In 1453 AD, the Eastern Roman Empire fell to the Ottoman Turks, who captured Constantinople.

Eastern Roman Empire: Timeline

The following is a timeline covering some of the most pivotal events in the history of the Eastern Roman Empire.

1. 476 AD: The last Roman emperor is overthrown by the Germanic leader Odoacer, marking the end of the Western Roman Empire. The Eastern Roman Empire continues under various emperors; the capital moves to Constantinople.
2. 5th century: The Eastern Roman Empire experiences a golden age under Emperor Justinian I, who reconquers large parts of the former Western Roman Empire.
3. 6th century: The Arab-Byzantine Wars begin, as the Rashidun Caliphate conquers much of the Eastern Roman Empire.
4. 7th century: Byzantine iconoclasm begins when Emperor Leo III forbids the worship of icons.
5. 8th century: The Byzantine Empire reaches its greatest extent under Emperor Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos.
6. 9th century: The Byzantine Empire begins to decline, as it is marked by internal strife and external invasions.
7. 11th century: The Seljuk Turks defeat the Byzantine army at the Battle of Manzikert, leading to the loss of much of Asia Minor.
8. 1204: The Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople, leading to the establishment of the Latin Empire.
9. 1261: The Byzantine Empire is restored under Emperor Michael VIII Palaiologos.
10. 1453: The Ottoman Turks capture Constantinople, marking the end of the Eastern Roman Empire.

For an overview of the history of Western Rome, see Timeline of the Roman Empire.

Although it eventually fell to invading forces, the Eastern Roman Empire continued for nearly 1,000 years after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The capital city of Constantinople (present-day Istanbul) was a bustling metropolis and a center of trade and culture. The Eastern Roman Empire was one of the longest-lasting empires of all time, with a history worth learning more about.