Byzantine Emperors

By nhug2023
  • Period: 272 to 337

    Constantine the great

    Constantine now became the Western Roman emperor. He soon used his power to address the status of Christians, issuing the Edict of Milan in 313. This proclamation legalized Christianity and allowed for freedom of worship throughout the empire.
  • Period: 347 to 395

    Theodosius

    The Christian persecution of Roman religion under Theodosius I began in 381, after the first couple of years of his reign in the Eastern Roman Empire.
  • Period: 482 to 565

    Justinian The great

    Constantinople was ravaged by riots due to high taxes. In order to quell the riots, rebuild the city, and reestablish order, Justinian codified Roman Law. He unified law in order to organize the empire.
  • Period: 497 to 548

    Theodora

    Before her marriage to Justinian I, she was a courtesan with a humble origin. She was one of the most influential empresses of the empire, not only for her beauty but for intelligence. She convinced Justinian to murder the protestants in the Hippodrome.
  • Period: Oct 5, 610 to Feb 11, 641

    Heraclius

    Had a deep Christian faith.
    Overthrew Phocas
    Restored the Jerusalem cross.
    Inspiring military leader.
    The Arab Invasion. By this time, it was generally expected by the Byzantine populace that the emperor would lead Byzantium into a new age of glory. However, all of Heraclius' achievements would come to naught, when, in 633, the Byzantine-Arab Wars began. On June 8, 632, the Islamic Prophet Muhammad died of a fever.
  • Period: 752 to Aug 9, 803

    Irene

    Empress Irene of Athens was the first female ruler of the Byzantine Empire.
    With the success of the Bulgar front and the matrimonial alliance with Charlemagne, Irene turned her attention on religious issues.
  • Period: 958 to Dec 15, 1025

    Basil II

    He was the last and greatest of the emperors who brought Byzantium to its military zenith. The Byzantine emperor Basil II (ca. 958-1025) ruled from 963 to 1025 and was called Bulgaroctonus (Bulgar-Slayer). He was the last and greatest of the emperors who brought Byzantium to its military zenith.
  • Period: 978 to 1050

    Zoe

    She became self-assertive and jealous, exiling her sister Theodora to a monastery; and, neglected by her husband, became enamored of Michael, her young Paphlagonian chamberlain. In 1034 the emperor became ill, allegedly poisoned by Zoe; and, upon his death on April 11, she at once took control and married Michael, who was proclaimed Emperor Michael IV.