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272
Constantine the Great
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Period: 272 to 337
Constantine the Great
He was born about 280 CE. He died in 337 CE. He was the first ruler to become Christian. He became Christian after he won the the battle of Milvian Bridge. He became Christian because before the battle he saw a sign that was sent by God to him. It told him that if he lead his troops by that sign he would win. He is also known for creating the Edict of Milan with Licinius. Finally, he is known for creating the Council of Nicea. In there is where it was finally decided what Christians believed in. -
312
Battle of Milvian Bridge
Battle of Constantine against Maxentius. -
313
Edict of Milan
Made by Constantine and Licinius. Anyone can follow whatever religion they want. -
325
Council of Nicaea
Made by Constantine to finally decide what Christians believed in. -
379
Theodosius the Great
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Period: 379 to 395
Theodosius the Great
He was born in 347 CE. He died in 395 CE. He is known for creating the Theodosian Wall. He ruled east for 10 years. He later ruled east and west for 3 years after Valens was killed. He founded a dynasty. He was the last emperor to rule the whole Roman Empire. -
527
Justinian I
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Period: 527 to 565
Justinian I
He was born in 483 CE. He died in 565 CE. He was a co-emperor with other 3 rulers. He was the last emperor to speak latin. He built the Hagia Sophia. He created the Justinian Code. In this code, the laws protected women and slaves. -
610
Heraclius
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Period: 610 to 641
Heraclius
He was born in 575 CE. He died in 641 CE. He reorganized the military. He had chaotic military campaigns. During his ruling the empire was weak. He made allies. He established Greek as main language. Finally, he restored Jerusalem's true cross. -
787
Second Council of Nicaea
It was made by Irene to stop iconoclasm. -
797
Irene
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Period: 797 to 802
Irene
Also known as Irene of Athens. She was born in 752 CE. She died in 803 CE. First female emperor of the empire. She created the second council of Nicaea. This council was made to stop the iconoclasm. She came to power due to her beauty. Sometimes recognized as saint in Eastern Orthodox Church. -
976
Basil II
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Period: 976 to 1025
Basil II
He was born in 957/958 CE. He died in 1025 CE. He extended the empire to Bulgaria and a lot of Armenia. He is known for inventing the plans for the trebuchet. The trebuchet was one of the weapons used to defeat Samuel the Bulgar. Samuel the Bulgar was on eof the biggest enemies that Basil II had. Basil II is one of the best military leaders the Byzantine empire had. He brought Byzantium to its military zenith. -
1028
Zoe Porphyrogenita
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Period: 1028 to 1050
Zoe Porphyrogenita
Zoe Porphyrogenita was born in 978 CE. She died in 1050 CE. She started as empress through marriage. She the ruled with her sister Theodora Porphyrogenita since 1042 as co-emperor. She exiled her sister to a monastery. She married 3 times. Famous for creating mosaics in the Hagia Sophia. She gave women hope. She fought for rights as a woman. -
1042
Theodora Porphyrogenita
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Period: 1042 to 1055
Theodora Porphyrogenita
Theodora Porphyrogenita was born in 980 CE. She died in 1056 CE. She was co-emperor with her sister Zoe Porphyrogenita since 1042. She lived in a convent. She gave indirect influence to Zoe. She was excessively severe towards her enemies.
