Great Christian Emperors of Byzantium. The last emperor of Byzantium
Justinian I the Great
(lat. Flavius Petrus Sabbatius Justinianus) ruled Byzantium from 527 to 565. Under Justinian the Great, the territory of Byzantium almost doubled. Historians believe that Justinian was one of the greatest monarchs of late antiquity and the early Middle Ages.
Justinian was born around 483.
in a peasant family of a remote mountain village Macedonia, near Skupi
. For a long time, the prevailing opinion was that it was of Slavic origin and was originally worn the name of the Manager,
this legend was very common among the Slavs of the Balkan Peninsula.
Justinian was distinguished by strict Orthodoxy , was a reformer and military strategist who made the transition from antiquity to the Middle Ages. Coming from the dark mass of the provincial peasantry, Justinian managed to firmly and firmly assimilate two grandiose ideas: the Roman idea of a universal monarchy and the Christian idea of the kingdom of God. Combining both ideas and putting them into action with the help of power in a secular state that accepted these two ideas as political doctrine Byzantine Empire.
Under Emperor Justinian, the Byzantine Empire reached its peak, after a long period of decline, the monarch tried to restore the empire and return it to its former greatness. Justinian is believed to have been influenced by strong character his wife Theodora, whom he solemnly crowned in 527.
Historians believe that the main goal of Justinian's foreign policy was the revival of the Roman Empire within its former borders; the empire was to turn into a single Christian state. As a result, all the wars waged by the emperor were aimed at expanding his territories, especially to the west, into the territory of the fallen Western Roman Empire.
The main commander of Justinian, who dreamed of the revival of the Roman Empire, was Belisarius,
became a commander at the age of 30. 
In 533 Justinian sent Belisarius's army to northern Africa to conquering the kingdom of the Vandals. The war with the Vandals was successful for Byzantium, and already in 534 the commander of Justinian won a decisive victory. As in the African campaign, the commander Belisarius kept many mercenaries - wild barbarians - in the Byzantine army.
Even sworn enemies could help the Byzantine Empire - it was enough to pay them. So, Huns formed a significant part of the army Belisarius , which sailed from Constantinople to North Africa on 500 ships.Huns Cavalry , who served as mercenaries in the Byzantine army of Belisarius, played decisive role in the war against Vandal kingdom in northern Africa. During pitched battle the opponents fled from the wild horde of the Huns and disappeared into the Numidian desert. Then the commander Belisarius occupied Carthage.
After the annexation of North Africa Byzantine Constantinople turned their attention to Italy, on whose territory there existed kingdom of the Ostrogoths. Emperor Justinian the Great decided to declare war German kingdoms , who waged constant wars among themselves and were weakened on the eve of the invasion of the Byzantine army.
The war with the Ostrogoths was successful, and the king of the Ostrogoths had to turn to Persia for help. Justinian protected himself in the East from attack from the rear by making peace with Persia and launched a campaign to invade Western Europe.
First thing General Belisarius occupied Sicily, where he met little resistance. Italian cities also surrendered one after another until the Byzantines approached Naples.
Belisarius (505-565), Byzantine general under Justinian I, 540 (1830). Belasarius refusing the crown of their kingdom in Italy offered to him by the Goths in 540. Belasarius was a brilliant general who defeated a range of enemies of the Byzantine Empire, virtually doubling its territory in the process. (Photo by Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector/Getty Images)
After the fall of Naples, Pope Silverius invited Belisarius to enter the holy city. The Goths left Rome , and soon Belisarius occupied Rome, the capital of the empire. The Byzantine military leader Belisarius, however, understood that the enemy was just gathering strength, so he immediately began to strengthen the walls of Rome. What followed The siege of Rome by the Goths lasted one year and nine days (537 - 538). The Byzantine army defending Rome not only withstood the attacks of the Goths, but also continued its advance deep into the Apennine Peninsula.
Belisarius' victories allowed the Byzantine Empire to establish control over the northeastern part of Italy. After the death of Belisarius, it was created exarchate (province) with its capital in Ravenna . Although Rome was subsequently lost to Byzantium, since Rome actually fell under the control of the pope, Byzantium retained possessions in Italy until the middle of the 8th century.
Under Justinian, the territory of the Byzantine Empire reached its largest size for the entire existence of the empire. Justinian managed to almost completely restore the former borders of the Roman Empire.
The Byzantine emperor Justinian captured all of Italy and almost the entire coast of North Africa, and the southeastern part of Spain. Thus, the territory of Byzantium doubles, but does not reach the former borders of the Roman Empire.
Already in 540 New Persian
the Sassanid kingdom dissolved the peaceful
agreement with Byzantium and actively prepared for war. Justinian found himself in a difficult position, because Byzantium could not withstand a war on two fronts. 
Domestic policy of Justinian the Great
In addition to an active foreign policy, Justinian also pursued a reasonable domestic policy. Under him, the Roman system of government was abolished, which was replaced by a new one - the Byzantine one. Justinian was actively engaged in strengthening the state apparatus, and also tried improve taxation . Under the emperor they were united civil and military positions, attempts have been made reduce corruption by increasing pay to officials.
Justinian was popularly nicknamed the “sleepless emperor,” as he worked day and night to reform the state.
Historians believe that Justinian's military successes were his main merit, but internal politics, especially in the second half of his reign, drained the state treasury.
Emperor Justinian the Great left behind a famous architectural monument, which still exists today - Saint Sophie Cathedral . This building is considered a symbol of the “golden age” in the Byzantine Empire. This cathedral is the second largest Christian church in the world and second only to St. Paul's Cathedral in the Vatican . With the construction of the Hagia Sophia, Emperor Justinian achieved the favor of the Pope and the entire Christian world.
During the reign of Justinian, the world's first plague pandemic broke out and spread throughout the Byzantine Empire. The largest number of victims was recorded in the capital of the empire, Constantinople, where 40% of the total population died. According to historians, total number Plague victims reached about 30 million people, and possibly more.
Achievements of the Byzantine Empire under Justinian
The greatest achievement of Justinian the Great is considered to be his active foreign policy, which expanded the territory of Byzantium twice, almost regaining all lost lands after the fall of Rome in 476.
Due to numerous wars, the state treasury was depleted, and this led to popular riots and uprisings. However, the revolt prompted Justinian to issue new laws for citizens throughout the empire. The emperor abolished Roman law, abolished outdated Roman laws and introduced new laws. The set of these laws was called "Code of Civil Law".
The reign of Justinian the Great was indeed called the “golden age”; he himself said: “Never before the time of our reign did God grant the Romans such victories... Give thanks to heaven, inhabitants of the whole world: in your days a great deed was accomplished, which God recognized as unworthy of the entire ancient world.” A commemoration of the greatness of Christianity, it was built Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.
A huge breakthrough occurred in military affairs. Justinian managed to create the largest professional mercenary army of that period. The Byzantine army led by Belisarius brought many victories to the Byzantine emperor and expanded the borders of the Byzantine Empire. However, the maintenance of a huge mercenary army and endless warriors depleted the state treasury of the Byzantine Empire.
The first half of the reign of Emperor Justinian is called the “golden age of Byzantium,” while the second only caused discontent on the part of the people. The outskirts of the empire covered revolt of the Moors and Goths. A in 548 During the second Italian campaign, Justinian the Great could no longer respond to Belisarius' requests to send money for the army and to pay the mercenaries.
The last time the commander Belisarius led the troops in 559, when the Kotrigur tribe invaded Thrace. The commander won the battle and could have completely destroyed the attackers, but Justinian at the last moment decided to pay off his restless neighbors. However, the most surprising thing was that the creator of the Byzantine victory was not even invited to the festive celebrations. After this episode, the commander Belisarius finally fell out of favor and ceased to play a significant role at court.
In 562, several noble residents of Constantinople accused the famous commander Belisarius of preparing a conspiracy against Emperor Justinian. For several months Belisarius was deprived of his property and position. Soon Justinian was convinced of the innocence of the accused and made peace with him. Belisarius died in peace and solitude in 565 AD That same year, Emperor Justinian the Great breathed his last.
The last conflict between the emperor and the commander served as the source legends about the poor, weak and blind military leader Belisarius, begging for alms at the walls of the temple. This is how he is portrayed - falling out of favor in his famous painting by the French artist Jacques Louis David.
A world state created by the will of an autocratic sovereign - such was the dream that Emperor Justinian cherished from the very beginning of his reign. By force of arms he returned the lost old Roman territories, then gave them a general civil law that ensured the well-being of the inhabitants, and finally - he asserted a single Christian faith, called to unite all peoples in the worship of the one true Christian God. These are the three unshakable foundations on which Justinian built the power of his empire. Justinian the Great believed that “there is nothing higher and holier Imperial Majesty"; “The creators of the law themselves said that the will of the monarch has the force of law«; « he alone is able to spend days and nights in work and wakefulness, so that think about the good of the people«.
Justinian the Great argued that the grace of the emperor's power, as the “anointed one of God,” standing above the state and above the church, was received directly from God. The emperor is “equal to the apostles” (Greek ίσαπόστολος), God helps him defeat his enemies and make fair laws. Justinian's wars gained character crusades - wherever the Byzantine emperor will be master, the Orthodox faith will shine forth. His piety turned into religious intolerance and was embodied in cruel persecution for deviating from his recognized faith. Every legislative act of Justinian puts "under the patronage of the Holy Trinity."
Dynasty of Constantine
1. Constantine I the Great, 306–337, autocratic reign 323–337
2. Constantius II, 337–361, autocratic rule 353–561
3. Julian the Apostate, 361–363
4. Jovian, 363–364
5. Valens, 364–378
Theodosian Dynasty
1. Theodosius I the Great, 379–395
2. Arkady, 395–408
3. Theodosius II, 408–450
4. Marcian, 450–457
5. Leo I, 457–474
6. Zinon, 474–491
7. Anastasius, 491–518
Justinian Dynasty
1. Justin I, 518–527
2. Justinian I, 527–565
3. Justin II, 565–578
4. Tiberius II, 578–582
5. Mauritius, 582–602
6. Phocas (usurper), 602–610
Dynasty of Heraclius
1. Heraclius, 610–641
2. Constantine II and Heraklion 641–642
3. Constans II (Constantine III), 642–668
4. Constantine IV Pogonatus, 668–685
5. Justinian II Rhinomet, 685–695
6. Leontius (usurper), 695–698
7. Tiberius III (usurper), 698–705
8. Justinian II (secondary), 705–711
9. Philippic, 711–713
10. Anastasius II, 713–716
11. Theodosius III, 716–717
Isaurian dynasty
1. Leo III the Isaurian, 717–740
2. Constantine V Copronymus, 740–775
3. Leo IV, 775–780
4. Constantine VI, 780–797
5. Irina, 797–802
6. Nikephoros I (usurper), 802–811
7. Stavrakiy, 811
8. Michael I Rangave, 811–813
9. Leo V the Armenian, 813–820
Amorian dynasty
1. Michael II tongue-tied, 820–829
2. Theophilus, 829–842
3. Michael III the Drunkard, 842–867
Macedonian dynasty
1. Vasily I, 867–886
2. Leo VI the Wise, 886–912
3. Alexander, 912–913
4. Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, 913–959, together with Romanus I Lecapinus (usurper) 919–944
5. Roman II, 959–963
6. Nikephoros II Phocas, 963–969
7. John I Tzimisces, 969–976
8. Vasily II the Bulgarian Slayer, 976–1025
9. Constantine VIII, 1025–1028
10. Zoe, 1028–1050, with co-rulers:
11. Roman III Argir, 1028–1034
12. Michael IV Paphlagonian, 1034–1041
13. Michael V Calafat (nephew of Michael IV, adopted by Zoe), 1041–1042
14. Constantine IX, 1042–1054
15. Theodora, 1054–1056
16. Michael VI Stratioticus, 1056–1057
Dynasty of Duci and Comneni
1. Isaac I Komnenos, 1057–1059
2. Constantine X Ducas, 1059–1067
3. Roman IV Diogenes, 1067–1071
4. Michael VII Ducas, 1071–1078
5. Nikephoros III Botaniates (usurper), 1078–1081
6. Alexius I Komnenos, 1081–1118
7. John II Komnenos, 1118–1143
8. Manuel I Komnenos, 1143–1180
9. Alexius II Komnenos, 1180–1183
10. Andronikos I Komnenos, 1183–1185
Dynasty of Angels
1. Isaac II, 1185–1195
2. Alexey III, 1195–1203
3. Isaac II (secondary) with his son Alexios IV, 1203–1204
4. Alexey V Murzufl (usurper), 1204
Latin Emperors of Constantinople
1. Baldwin of Flanders, 1204–1205
2. Henry of Flanders, 1206–1216
3. Peter de Courtenay, 1217
4. Iolanta, 1217–1219
5. Robert II of Courtenay, 1221–1228
6. Baldwin II, 1228–1261, with John of Brienne as regent, 1229–1237, sole rule, 1240–1261
Greek Emperors of Nicaea
1. Theodore I Laskar, 1204–1222
2. John III Vatatzes, 1222–1254
3. Theodore II Laskar, 1254–1258
4. John IV Lascar, 1258–1259
5. Michael VIII Palaiologos (usurper), 1259–1261
Palaiologan Dynasty
1. Michael VIII Palaiologos, 1259–1282
2. Andronikos II, 1282–1328, together with his son Michael IX 1295–1320
3. Andronikos III, 1328–1341
4. John V, 1341–1376
5. John VI Cantacuzene (usurper), 1341–1355
6. Andronikos IV (son of John V), 1376–1379
7. John V (secondary), 1379–1391
8. John VII (son of Andronikos IV, usurper), 1390
9. Manuel II, 1391–1425
10. John VIII, 1425–1448
11. Constantine XI Dragas, 1448–1453
Appendix 2
Primates of the Russian Church
Metropolitans of Kyiv and All Rus' (988–1305)
1. Mikhail?
2. Leon (Leonty)?
3. Theophylact, 988–before 1018
4. John I, before 1018–ca. 1030
5. Theopemptos, circa 1035–1040s.
6. Kirill?
7. Hilarion, 1051–1054
8. Ephraim, 1054/1055–ca. 1065
9. George, approx. 1065–approx. 1076
10. John II, no later than 1076/1077–after August 1089
12. Nikolai, approx. 1093–before 1104
15. Michael I, summer 1130–1145
17. Constantine I, 1156–1158/1159
19. John IV, spring 1164–1166
20. Constantine II, 1167–1169/1170
21. Michael II, spring 1171–?
22. Nikephoros II, before 1183–after 1201
24. Cyril I, 1224/1225–summer 1233
25. Joseph, 1236–?
Metropolitans of Moscow and All Rus'
1. Peter (1308–1326)
2. Theognostus (1328–1353)
3. Alexy (1353–1378)
4. Pimen (1380–1387)
5. Cyprian (1388–1406)
6. Photius (1408–1431)
7. Gerasim (1433–1435)
8. Isidore (1436–1441)
9. Jonah (1448–1461)
10. Theodosius (1461–1464)
11. Philip (1st) (1464–1473)
12. Gerontius (1473–1489)
13. Zosima (1490–1494)
14. Simon (1495–1511)
15. Varlaam (1511–1521)
16. Daniel (1522–1539)
17. Joasaph (1539–1542)
18. Macarius (1542–1563)
19. Athanasius (1564–1566)
20. Philip (1566–1568)
21. Cyril IV (1568–1572)
22. Anthony (1572–1581)
23. Dionysius (1581–1587)
24. Job (1587–1589)
Patriarchs of Moscow and All Rus'
1. Job (died 1607) patriarch 1589–1605
2. Ignatius (1540–1610/20) false patriarch in 1605–1606.
3. Hermogenes (1530–1612) patriarch in 1606–1612.
4. Filaret (1554–1633) patriarch in 1619–1633.
5. Joasaph I patriarch in 1634–1640.
6. Joseph Patriarch in 1642–1652.
7. Nikon (1605–1681) patriarch in 1652–1666. (actually until 1558)
8. Joasaph II Patriarch in 1667–1672.
9. Pitirim patriarch in 1672–1673.
10. Joachim (1621–1690) patriarch in 1674–1690.
11. Adrian (1627–1700) patriarch in 1690–1700
12. Synodal period (1700–1917)
13. Tikhon (1917–1925);
14. Sergius (1943–1944);
15. Alexy I (1945–1970);
16. Pimen (1970–1990);
17. Alexy II (1990–2008);
18. Kirill since 2009
Educational edition
Sharkov Ilya Gennadievich
Leonova Margarita Sergeevna
Responsible for the release N.V. Kovbasyuk
ID No. 06457 dated December 19, 2001. Publishing house YURGUES.
Signed for publication on November 19, 2009.
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Life and life of the Byzantine Empress
In the most remote part of the imperial palace in Constantinople, behind the premises of the guards and reception chambers, among shady gardens with fountains, which, in the words of one chronicler, represented, in the words of one chronicler, a new Eden, like a second paradise, there was a private abode of the Byzantine emperors.
Byzantine Empress Athenaida (Eudokia)
On June 7, 421, the most pious Emperor Theodosius, then about twenty years old, married a young girl originally from Athens, where her father was a teacher at the university. Born in a pagan faith, in order to ascend the throne of Constantine, she had to convert to Christianity and at the same time, on the very day of her baptism, exchange her beautiful name Athenaida for a more suitable one for an empress and more christian name- Evdokia.
Byzantine Empress Theodora
The adventures of Theodora, the Byzantine Empress, who rose from the stage of the hippodrome and then immediately found herself on the throne of the Caesars, have always aroused special curiosity and made the imagination run wild. Even during her lifetime, her extraordinary happiness so amazed her contemporaries that the inhabitants of Constantinople invented the most to explain it. incredible stories, a lot of gossip, carefully collected by Procopius for posterity in the Secret History.
Byzantine Empress Irene
Like Athenaida-Eudokia, Irina was from Athens; like her, she was an orphan at the time when, for reasons unknown to us, in which, undoubtedly, her beauty played a major role, she became the emperor's daughter-in-law. But the similarities between the two queens do not go further than this.
Life of a middle class woman in Byzantium
What we know least about vanished societies, what documents less familiarize us with, but what would perhaps interest us most are the feelings, customs and thoughts, position and home life of the middle classes. As for the great persons, emperors and empresses, popes and patriarchs, ministers and generals, about everyone who occupied the first places and played the main roles on the historical stage, we are informed quite fully and accurately; we know their actions, we can understand their motives and we flatter ourselves with the confidence that we can penetrate into the depths of their souls.
Queen Theodora speaks out against persecution of the church
The Empress was originally from Asia, she was born in Paphlagonia into the family of an official. Her parents were pious people, very devoted to the veneration of icons, against whom, under the successors of the most pious Empress Irene, the imperial government again launched persecution, and, apparently, they even in practice proved quite ardent devotion to their beliefs. Brought up in such an environment, Theodora was naturally pious and greatly revered holy icons; Therefore, she at first felt somewhat awkward in the courtly world, where her marriage suddenly transported her.
Basil the Macedonian
Vasily was born around 812 in the vicinity of Adrianople into a dark peasant family of poor colonists of Armenian origin, which moved to Macedonia, was ruined by the Bulgarian war and was left completely without any means due to the last misfortune, the death of his father. Vasily, the only support of his mother and sisters, was then twenty-five or twenty-six years old. He was a big and strong fellow, with healthy muscles and a powerful build; thick curly hair framed his energetic face. At the same time, a complete ignoramus - Vasily could neither read nor write - he was, first of all, a beautiful human animal. This was enough to be happy.
Byzantine Emperor Leo the Wise
Leo VI was neither physically nor morally like his father; and what was told about his birth - everyone was sure that he was the son of Michael III - sufficiently, however, explains this deep dissimilarity. Quite puny new king was in poor health, and this one detail makes it possible to assume how many ambitious plans were born during his reign in the constant hope that new paths to the revealed heritage were about to be found. Loving a sedentary lifestyle, not at all inclined to frequent movements and the hard labors of military life, Leo VI willingly locked himself in his palace, extremely preoccupied with ceremonial issues.
Byzantine Queen Theophano
Among the Byzantine queens, Theophano is almost as famous as Theodora. After fifteen years ago Gustave Schlumberger, in his wonderful book, made an attempt to revive this bright and seductive image for us and told her romantic fate, this forgotten queen suddenly immediately appeared again on the historical stage and, to a certain extent, gained fame for herself.
Byzantine Empress Zoe
For almost a quarter of a century, the porphyry-born Zoe filled the imperial palace with her scandalous adventures, and her story is undoubtedly one of the most piquant that has ever been preserved in the Byzantine chronicles, and one of the best known to us. While we are so poorly informed about most of the monarchs who alternated in the Sacred Palace that it is with great difficulty that we can make a weak sketch of them, Zoe, on the contrary, appears before us in the brightest light.
Middle class life in Byzantium in the 11th century
Empress Theodota played no role in the events of her time; nothing could be simpler, calmer, more modest and, in a certain respect, more banal than her existence; but that is precisely why it is of particular interest in our eyes. Through her we gain a little insight into the home and family life of this vanished society, and her portrait may be considered valuable and to a certain extent typical. She is, as it were, a representative of many thousands of Byzantine women, her contemporaries, who, like her, did not occupy prominent places in history, but who, like her, lived a pious, dignified, humble life, as befits a decent woman; and thus her special example surprisingly clearly shows us what were the activities, concerns and joys of the Byzantine middle class family in the 11th century.
Life of the aristocracy in Byzantium in the 11th century
Among the feudal and military nobility of Byzantium, one of the most famous families of the mid-11th century was the Komnenos family. In addition to its vast possessions in Asia and other countless riches, this family became famous thanks to its services to the state: its head, Isaac, was then one of the most famous commanders empires. Therefore, when in 1057 the senior military ranks, indignant against the inept rule of the civil authorities, decided to revolt, they, with common consent, proclaimed Komnenos king of Byzantium. Thus Isaac laid the foundation for the future greatness of his family.
Relations between Byzantium and the West during the era of the Crusades
When in last years In the 11th century, the first crusade brought the Byzantine East into immediate and direct relations with the Latin West; there was great contrast and profound difference between the two civilizations, or rather between the two worlds that met face to face.
Byzantine Empress Anna Komnena
The new queen adored her mother, and she, in turn, showed special preference to her eldest daughter; she admired a pretty woman with a graceful figure, snow-white color face and lovely blue eyes, what Empress Maria was, and many years later they remembered with deep emotion the affection this lovely queen, worthy of the chisel of Phidias or the brush of Apelles, expressed to her, who was of such amazing beauty that whoever saw her came into complete delight .
Byzantine Empress Irene Ducas
Alexey Komnin immediately realized what powerful support such a marriage would provide for his ambitious plans in the future. Therefore, despite his mother’s resistance, at the end of 1077 he married young Irene Ducas, daughter of Andronikos Ducas, protovestarius, protoproeder, great domesticist of the scholas of the East, and granddaughter of Caesar John Ducas.
Andronikos Komnenos
Andronikos Komnenos is a true type of Byzantine of the 12th century, with all his virtues and all his vices. Tall (he was said to be over six feet), of Herculean strength and incomparable grace, he possessed, as one contemporary put it, “a beauty that truly seemed worthy of a throne.”
Feodor Prodromus
Around the first half of the 12th century, there lived in Constantinople a poor writer named Theodore Prodromus. He called himself Ptochoprodromus, that is, poor Prodromus; and indeed, it was difficult to find another such needy, hungry beggar among writers. He spent his entire life searching for rich patrons, begging money from the emperor, princes and queens, nobles and dignitaries; he cried in order to touch them, at his poverty, at his misfortunes, at his poor health, at his old age, asking them for money in the form of payment for his words of praise, epithalamus, condolences, or places, or even a bed in a hospital. Beggar and vain at the same time, very proud of his origin, upbringing, talent and at the same time capable of all sorts of vulgarity, he represents a curious type of writer of the Comnenos era, who were proud of the fact that they loved writers and patronized them.
People from Byzantium on the Western Thrones
More than once since the 10th century, politics has deviated from the rules formulated in this way, and many girls from the imperial house had to resign themselves to marry one or another of the barbarian monarchs. The Byzantine court tried to give the best explanation for these unequal marriages and use all sorts of subtle tricks to justify such a humiliation of its pride.
Byzantine Empress Bertha of Sulzbach
Conrad also felt the need for support against the increasing ambitions of Roger II. Therefore, he responded to the proposals made to him and pointed out to the Byzantine ambassadors one of his wife’s sisters, Countess Bertha of Sulzbach, as a possible wife for Prince Manuel.
Byzantine Empress Agnes of France
She was the second daughter of Louis VII by his third wife, Alice of Champagne, and therefore the younger sister of Philippe-Augustus.
Constance Hohenstaufen
In 1241, John Ducas Vatatz lost his first wife, Irina Laskar.
Soon after this, “tired of his loneliness,” as one contemporary says, he decided to marry again and asked his great ally for the hand of his daughter. She bore the name of Constance and was born from the marriage of Frederick II with Bianca Lancia, the same one who was also the mother of the famous Manfred. The emperor willingly agreed to the marriage, which strengthened his alliance with the Greeks; and despite the fact that there was a huge difference in age between the future spouses - in 1244 John was fifty-two years old, and Constance was very young - the marriage was decided.
Iolanta of Montferrat, wife of Andronikos II
Among the noble families of the West who came to seek fortune in Byzantium in the second half of the 12th century, one of the most famous were the Marquises of Montferrat. Iolanthe of Montferrat was descended from the Marquis Boniface; she was eleven years old when she married Andronikos II in 1284. For the king, this, apparently, was not a very brilliant match. But we must take into account that the Latins of that time did not see at all, like their fathers, any special honor in a marriage alliance with the Byzantine house, that the popes looked rather poorly at any alliance with schismatics.
Anna of Savoy, wife of Andronikos III
At the beginning of 1325, the young Emperor Andronicus, whom his grandfather, despite his reluctance, was supposed to crown in Hagia Sophia, was looking for a wife. He was then twenty-eight years old and a widower. He had previously married Irina of Brunswick, but a few months before the coronation she died without leaving children; and in the interests of the dynasty it was required that the prince immediately enter into a new marriage. Therefore, they tried to console Andronik, prove to him the need for a new marriage and intensively looked for a bride for him. The choice of the Byzantine court finally settled on one of the daughters of the Count of Savoy, Amedee V, she was an orphan and lived with her brother.
Marriages of the Palaiologos family
Family marriage review.
Vasily Digenis Akrit
The story of the adventures of Vasily Digenis Akritos takes us to the 10th century, and this story is extremely interesting and instructive for getting acquainted with Byzantine life of that time.
Novels Beltander and Chrysanza, Livistre and Rodamna
Digenis Akritos's novel introduced us to chivalrous and heroic Byzantium in the era preceding the Crusades. Other works of the same kind after the era of the Crusades are no less curious and no less instructive for the history of Byzantine society.
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Constantine the Great - the first Christian emperor
On the ruins of the Roman Empire in 395 AD. a new empire arose - Byzantium. The power and strength of a state largely depends on its rulers.
Byzantium was an autocratic monarchy. The emperor was considered the sole ruler, in whose elections the senate, military and people took part. In Byzantium they were called basileus. The power of the basileus was indisputable and was considered sacred. The Christian Church tried to support the rulers. When they were depicted in frescoes, mosaics, portraits, they were always given a halo; often in paintings the basileus were depicted next to Jesus Christ, the Mother of God and the Apostles. The emperor could influence the adoption of laws, administer justice, and implement personnel policies. He commanded the army, controlled administrative system country, cared about the country's position in the international arena and carried out foreign policy . The emperor had to act as a servant of God, and all his actions had to be righteous. Power was considered divine, and therefore was not inherited. Anyone could become an emperor. And there were examples in the history of Byzantium. Justinian, Vasily I and Roman I were of peasant origin. Over the thousand-year history of Byzantium, it was ruled by 109 emperors. There were years of glory and greatness, but there were also periods of ruin and infamy. Closely connected with state government, responsible to the people for their actions, basileus more often possessed tragic fate
. Only 38 of them died of natural causes.
There were rulers in the history of Byzantium whose activities subsequently influenced the course of world history. One of these was Constantine I the Great, who was still the Roman Emperor. Christianity owes its establishment as the state religion to this first Byzantine ruler. The state of Byzantium took its name from the city on the shores of the Bosphorus Bay, then called “Byzantium”. There, in 330, it was decided to found the capital. The new capital on the site of the city of Byzantium was named Constantinople (in honor of the first emperor). After this, in 395, the Roman Empire completely collapsed, and the countdown of the history of Byzantium began.
Under Constantine, who established Christianity, the First Ecumenical Council. He was the first emperor to die a Christian. In the center of Rome, the Triumphal Arch of Constantine depicted his victories and ceremonial campaigns. After him, no one else received such an honor. Constantine the Great remained in history as a symbol of an exemplary Christian sovereign.
Leo the Great (457-474)
St. Emperor Leo I the Great. Bust, Louvre.
This emperor was also called Makalla, which translated meant “butcher.” This nickname is due to the origin of the emperor, who was a meat merchant before becoming a warrior. The royal wedding ceremony was first performed when Leo was enthroned. Anointing with myrrh meant the liberation of the new basileus from the sins that he would have to commit while in power. After Leo, this ritual became mandatory for everyone. Leo became a strong and decisive ruler. Under him, Byzantine diplomacy was especially strong and had influence in the world. He managed to achieve reconciliation with the Goths and Ostrogoths, who were subjecting the country to attacks. He fought against Arianism and defended the Christian Church. He was a zealous guardian of Orthodoxy, helped the clergy, and contributed to the construction of churches. With him, the robe of the Virgin Mary was found and solemnly laid in Blachernae. Leo was called “the happiest of kings,” and the church canonized him as a holy confessor.
Justinian the Great (482–565)
Justinian the Great. Mosaic in the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna
Under Justinian, Byzantium reached its greatest prosperity. The Empire successfully fought against foreign invaders, carried out a policy of conquest, and conquered North Africa, Italy, and part of Spain. Under him, the borders of the Roman Empire were restored, but this did not last long.
LIST OF BYZANTINE EMPERORS
He was an intelligent, energetic reformer, a simple and generous man. In relation to enemies, it’s the opposite – insidious and merciless. He cruelly persecuted heretics and pagans, and the rebellious nobility. Moreover, Justinian was the author of a set of civil laws known as the Justinian Code. During his time, especially many fortresses, palaces and temples were built. The most famous was the Church of Hagia Sophia, built in Constantinople as the most important Christian temple. Justinian's contemporaries - Procopius of Caesarea and John Leeds - show him as a great conqueror, a wise and fair ruler, and a righteous Christian. But the records of the life and deeds of Basileus Justinian are full of contradictions. There is information about him as a bloodthirsty, insatiable and capricious emperor.
All of the Byzantine rulers described above were controversial figures. They influenced the foreign and domestic policies of their country in different ways. But Byzantium, under their rule, was a strong and powerful power, which was taken into account throughout the world. The culture of this country was of unsurpassed importance for the development of the culture of other countries. And the idea of divine and holy power was carried within all three of them - the Great Basileus Constantine, Leo and Justinian.
Similar articles:
- Temples of Byzantium
- Features of Byzantium
- Cities of Byzantium
Tags: great, Byzantium, emperor, ruler
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Dynasty of Constantine
1. Constantine I the Great, 306–337, autocratic reign 323–337
2. Constantius II, 337–361, autocratic rule 353–561
3. Julian the Apostate, 361–363
4. Jovian, 363–364
5. Valens, 364–378
Theodosian Dynasty
Chronological list of Byzantine emperors
Theodosius I the Great, 379–395
2. Arkady, 395–408
3. Theodosius II, 408–450
4. Marcian, 450–457
5. Leo I, 457–474
6. Zinon, 474–491
7. Anastasius, 491–518
Justinian Dynasty
1. Justin I, 518–527
2. Justinian I, 527–565
3. Justin II, 565–578
4. Tiberius II, 578–582
5. Mauritius, 582–602
6. Phocas (usurper), 602–610
Dynasty of Heraclius
1. Heraclius, 610–641
2. Constantine II and Heraklion 641–642
3. Constans II (Constantine III), 642–668
4. Constantine IV Pogonatus, 668–685
5. Justinian II Rhinomet, 685–695
6. Leontius (usurper), 695–698
7. Tiberius III (usurper), 698–705
8. Justinian II (secondary), 705–711
9. Philippic, 711–713
10. Anastasius II, 713–716
11. Theodosius III, 716–717
Isaurian dynasty
1. Leo III the Isaurian, 717–740
2. Constantine V Copronymus, 740–775
3. Leo IV, 775–780
4. Constantine VI, 780–797
5. Irina, 797–802
6. Nikephoros I (usurper), 802–811
7. Stavrakiy, 811
8. Michael I Rangave, 811–813
9. Leo V the Armenian, 813–820
Amorian dynasty
1. Michael II tongue-tied, 820–829
2. Theophilus, 829–842
3. Michael III the Drunkard, 842–867
Macedonian dynasty
1. Vasily I, 867–886
2. Leo VI the Wise, 886–912
3. Alexander, 912–913
4. Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus, 913–959, together with Romanus I Lecapinus (usurper) 919–944
5. Roman II, 959–963
6. Nikephoros II Phocas, 963–969
7. John I Tzimisces, 969–976
8. Vasily II the Bulgarian Slayer, 976–1025
9. Constantine VIII, 1025–1028
10. Zoe, 1028–1050, with co-rulers:
11. Roman III Argir, 1028–1034
12. Michael IV Paphlagonian, 1034–1041
13. Michael V Calafat (nephew of Michael IV, adopted by Zoe), 1041–1042
14. Constantine IX, 1042–1054
15. Theodora, 1054–1056
16. Michael VI Stratioticus, 1056–1057
Dynasty of Duci and Comneni
1. Isaac I Komnenos, 1057–1059
2. Constantine X Ducas, 1059–1067
3. Roman IV Diogenes, 1067–1071
4. Michael VII Ducas, 1071–1078
5. Nikephoros III Botaniates (usurper), 1078–1081
6. Alexius I Komnenos, 1081–1118
7. John II Komnenos, 1118–1143
8. Manuel I Komnenos, 1143–1180
9. Alexius II Komnenos, 1180–1183
10. Andronikos I Komnenos, 1183–1185
Dynasty of Angels
1. Isaac II, 1185–1195
2. Alexey III, 1195–1203
3. Isaac II (secondary) with his son Alexios IV, 1203–1204
4. Alexey V Murzufl (usurper), 1204
Latin Emperors of Constantinople
1. Baldwin of Flanders, 1204–1205
2. Henry of Flanders, 1206–1216
3. Peter de Courtenay, 1217
4. Iolanta, 1217–1219
5. Robert II of Courtenay, 1221–1228
6. Baldwin II, 1228–1261, with John of Brienne as regent, 1229–1237, sole rule, 1240–1261
Greek Emperors of Nicaea
1. Theodore I Laskar, 1204–1222
2. John III Vatatzes, 1222–1254
3. Theodore II Laskar, 1254–1258
4. John IV Lascar, 1258–1259
5. Michael VIII Palaiologos (usurper), 1259–1261
Palaiologan Dynasty
1. Michael VIII Palaiologos, 1259–1282
2. Andronikos II, 1282–1328, together with his son Michael IX 1295–1320
3. Andronikos III, 1328–1341
4. John V, 1341–1376
5. John VI Cantacuzene (usurper), 1341–1355
6. Andronikos IV (son of John V), 1376–1379
7. John V (secondary), 1379–1391
8. John VII (son of Andronikos IV, usurper), 1390
9. Manuel II, 1391–1425
10. John VIII, 1425–1448
11. Constantine XI Dragas, 1448–1453
Appendix 2
Primates of the Russian Church
Metropolitans of Kyiv and All Rus' (988–1305)
1. Mikhail?
2. Leon (Leonty)?
3. Theophylact, 988–before 1018
4. John I, before 1018–ca. 1030
5. Theopemptos, circa 1035–1040s.
6. Kirill?
7. Hilarion, 1051–1054
8. Ephraim, 1054/1055–ca. 1065
9. George, approx. 1065–approx. 1076
10. John II, no later than 1076/1077–after August 1089
12. Nikolai, approx. 1093–before 1104
15. Michael I, summer 1130–1145
17. Constantine I, 1156–1158/1159
19. John IV, spring 1164–1166
20. Constantine II, 1167–1169/1170
21. Michael II, spring 1171–?
22. Nikephoros II, before 1183–after 1201
24. Cyril I, 1224/1225–summer 1233
25. Joseph, 1236–?
Metropolitans of Moscow and All Rus'
1. Peter (1308–1326)
2. Theognostus (1328–1353)
3. Alexy (1353–1378)
4. Pimen (1380–1387)
5. Cyprian (1388–1406)
6. Photius (1408–1431)
7. Gerasim (1433–1435)
8. Isidore (1436–1441)
9. Jonah (1448–1461)
10. Theodosius (1461–1464)
11. Philip (1st) (1464–1473)
12. Gerontius (1473–1489)
13. Zosima (1490–1494)
14. Simon (1495–1511)
15. Varlaam (1511–1521)
16. Daniel (1522–1539)
17. Joasaph (1539–1542)
18. Macarius (1542–1563)
19. Athanasius (1564–1566)
20. Philip (1566–1568)
21. Cyril IV (1568–1572)
22. Anthony (1572–1581)
23. Dionysius (1581–1587)
24. Job (1587–1589)
Patriarchs of Moscow and All Rus'
1. Job (died 1607) patriarch 1589–1605
2. Ignatius (1540–1610/20) false patriarch in 1605–1606.
3. Hermogenes (1530–1612) patriarch in 1606–1612.
4. Filaret (1554–1633) patriarch in 1619–1633.
5. Joasaph I patriarch in 1634–1640.
6. Joseph Patriarch in 1642–1652.
7. Nikon (1605–1681) patriarch in 1652–1666. (actually until 1558)
8. Joasaph II Patriarch in 1667–1672.
9. Pitirim patriarch in 1672–1673.
10. Joachim (1621–1690) patriarch in 1674–1690.
11. Adrian (1627–1700) patriarch in 1690–1700
12. Synodal period (1700–1917)
13. Tikhon (1917–1925);
14. Sergius (1943–1944);
15. Alexy I (1945–1970);
16. Pimen (1970–1990);
17. Alexy II (1990–2008);
18. Kirill since 2009
Educational edition
Sharkov Ilya Gennadievich
Leonova Margarita Sergeevna
Orthodox culture
Tutorial
Responsible for the release N.V. Kovbasyuk
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Paper size 60×84/16. Conditional oven l. 14.6. Circulation 100 copies. Order No. 675.
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Byzantine emperors
Byzantium 7 letters
Answer to a scanword or crossword puzzle for the question: Byzantium 7 letters
7 letters
Antalya Yivli Mosque (rebuilt Byzantine church, now an archaeological museum) with a tall red minaret (13th century), Murat Pasha Mosque (16th century), ancient tower originally used as a lighthouse
Basileus In the Middle Ages, basilei was the official title of the Byzantine emperors
Bithynia Continued to play a significant economic and cultural role in the Roman and later Byzantine Empires
Gandzak In 622, during the war between Iran and Byzantium, Gandzak was destroyed by the Byzantines
Hyacinth With the return of fashion for the Byzantine splendor of jewelry, leading jewelry houses began to actively include hyacinths in their collections
Power Power balls were part of the attributes of power of the Roman, Byzantine, and German emperors
Digests(Digesta or Pandectae), the main part of the Byzantine codification of law, known under the later name of the Code of Civil Law (Corpus juris civilis).
Evdokia- Byzantine empress
Irakli(Herakleios) (575, Cappadocia, - 11 February 641, Constantinople), Byzantine emperor from 610
Komnene(Komnenoi), dynasty of Byzantine emperors (1081-1185).
Logofet(Greek logothetes), official in the Byzantine state apparatus
Milutin After a successful war with Byzantium (started in 1282), the results of which were consolidated by the peace of 1299 and the marriage of Milutin to the daughter of the Byzantine emperor, the Serbian state was annexed most of Macedonia from Skoplje, Vidin and other lands
Numidia In 46 BC, the territory of Numidia was turned into the Roman province of New Africa, in 429/430 AD it was conquered by the Vandals, in 533 by the Byzantines
Ostrogoths In 540, the Ostrogothic troops were defeated by the Byzantine commander Belisarius, and in the early 60s the kingdom of the Ostrogoths ceased to exist
Pitsunda On Pitsunda there was an ancient and medieval city and the port of Pityunt (Greek Pityus), remains of fortress walls, residential buildings, and a Byzantine basilica; to the northeast of the ancient settlement there is a 10th century temple (frescoes from the 14th and 16th centuries).
Romagna The name Romagna appeared in the 6th century, referring to the Byzantine possessions on the Apennine Peninsula, primarily to the Ravenna Exarchate
Sabratha To the south, west and east of it are buildings from Roman and Byzantine times: the remains of a forum, the Byzantine Basilica of Justinian (6th century) with a mosaic floor (now in the Archaeological Museum of Sabratha).
Istanbul Buildings of the Byzantine (including the Hagia Sophia) and Turkish (fortresses, mosques) eras
Theodora(beginning of the 6th century - 548) - Byzantine empress from 527, wife of Emperor Justinian I. Courtesan, stood out for her intelligence, will, and charm; Having become empress, she removed and appointed senior officials empire, was engaged in diplomatic correspondence
Caesar Remains of Roman-Byzantine city walls, hippodrome, theater, amphitheater, public buildings (2-3 centuries, courtyard with mosaic pavement), 2 aqueducts, Byzantine basilica with mosaic floor
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The greatness of the Roman Empire after the crisis of the 3rd century was greatly shaken. Then the prerequisites appeared for the split of the empire into Western and Eastern. The last emperor who led the entire territory of the country was Flavius Theodosius Augustus (379-395 reign). He died at a venerable age of natural causes, leaving behind two heirs to the throne - the sons of Arcadius and Honorius. According to the instructions of his father, the elder brother Arkady headed the western part - the “first Rome”, and the younger brother, Honorius - the eastern part, the “second Rome”, which was later renamed the Byzantine Empire.
The process of formation of the Byzantine Empire
Officially, the division into Western and Eastern occurred in 395, unofficially - the state split long before that. While the West was dying from civil strife, civil wars, barbarian raids on the borders, the eastern part of the country continued to develop culture and live in an authoritarian political regime, submitting to their Byzantine emperors - the Basileus. Simple people, peasants, senators called the emperor of Byzantium “basileus”; this term quickly took root and began to be constantly used in everyday life of the people.
Christianity played an important role in the cultural development of the state and the strengthening of the power of emperors.
After the fall of the First Rome in 476, only the eastern part of the state remained, which became the great city of Constantinople as the capital.
Duties of the Basileus
The emperors of Byzantium had to perform the following duties:
- command an army;
- pass laws;
- select and appoint personnel to government positions;
- manage the administrative apparatus of the empire;
- dispense justice;
- pursue a wise and beneficial domestic and foreign policy for the state to maintain its leader status on the world stage.
Elections for the position of emperor
The process of a new person becoming a basileus took place consciously with the participation large quantity of people. For elections, assemblies were called in which senators, military personnel and the people participated and voted. According to the vote count, who received larger number supporters were elected ruler.
Even a peasant had the right to run for office; this reflected the beginnings of democracy. Emperors of Byzantium, who came from peasant backgrounds, also exist: Justinian, Basil I, Romanus I. Justinian and Constantine are considered one of the most outstanding first emperors of the Byzantine state. They were Christians, spread the faith and used religion to impose their power, control the people, and carry out reforms in domestic and foreign policy.
Reign of Constantine I
One of the commanders-in-chief, elected to the post of Emperor of Byzantium, Constantine I, thanks to his wise rule, brought the state to one of the leading world positions. Constantine I reigned from 306-337, at a time when the final split of the Roman Empire had not yet occurred.
Constantine is famous primarily for establishing Christianity as the only state religion. Also during his reign, the first Ecumenical Cathedral in the empire was built.
The capital of the state, Constantinople, was named in honor of the believing Christian sovereign of the Byzantine Empire.
Reign of Justinian I
The great emperor of Byzantium, Justinian, reigned from 482-565. A mosaic with his image adorns the Church of San Vitalle in the city of Ravenna, perpetuating the memory of the ruler.
In surviving documents dating back to the 6th century, according to the Byzantine writer Procopius of Caesarea, who served as secretary to the great general Belisarius, Justinian is known as a wise and benevolent ruler. He carried out judicial reforms for the development of the country, encouraged the spread Christian religion on the territory of the state, compiled a code of civil laws, and, in general, took good care of his people.
But the emperor was also a cruel enemy for people who dared to go against his will: rebels, rebels, heretics. He supervised the spread of Christianity in the lands captured during his reign. So, with his wise policy, the Roman Empire returned the territory of Italy, North Africa, and partly to Spain. Like Constantine I, Justinian used religion to strengthen his own power. Preaching any religion other than Christianity in occupied lands was severely punished by law.
In addition, on the territory of the Roman Empire, on his initiative, it was ordered to build churches, temples, and monasteries that preached and brought Christianity to the people. The economic and political power of the state grew significantly thanks to numerous profitable connections and deals concluded by the emperor.
Emperors of Byzantium such as Constantine I and Justinian I established themselves as wise, magnanimous rulers, who also successfully spread Christianity throughout the empire to strengthen their own power and unite the people.
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Books
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