Greetings all,

On this day we reflect on the life of the Empress Theodora, who passed on June 28th in 527 AD:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theodora_(6th_century)

She was one of the most powerful Empresses in history. She shared in the Emperor Justinian's plans and political strategies, participated in state councils, and Justinian called her his "partner in my deliberations." She had her own court, her own official entourage, and her own imperial seal.

"Purple is the noblest shroud" - Theodora

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this day we reflect on the passing of the Emperor Julian after the Battle of Samarra on June 26th in 363 AD:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julian_(emperor)

His invasion of Persia had been successful and he fought a successful battle outside the palace at Cestephon. However Julian did not attempt to besiege the city, and he was wounded attempting to return to Roman territory.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this day we reflect on Julius Nepos deposing Glycerius as Emperor of the West on June 24th in 474 AD:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julius_Nepos

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycerius

Glycerius had reigned for a year but had not been recognized by Emperor Leo I in the East.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this day we commemorate with joy the victory by the Roman General Flavius Aetius who stopped the forces of Attila the Hun in the Battle of the Catalunian Plains on June 20th in 451 AD: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Catalaunian_Plains

This victory was hugely significant to both the Western and Eastern Roman Empire as it finally broke Attila's aura of invincibility.  It was said at the time that 300,000 people died on the battlefield and the fighting was so fierce the shades of the dead continued to fight... and the echoes of the sounds of battle could still be heard at the site for days after it's end.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

In the news, an interesting article on the Byzantine-Sassanian war:

https://www.thecollector.com/byzantine-sassanian-war/

Some really good information and photos in this one!  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

Today we commemorate Isaac I Komnenos being proclaimed Emperor by the army after defeating the forces of Michael I Psellos on June 8th in 1057 AD:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaac_I_Komnenos

Emperor Isaac I spent his reign attempting to shore up the Byzantine military, reduce bureaucracy and rebuild the treasury, all of which had been adversely affected by the excesses of his predecessors in the previous decades. He even won the Battle of Hades no less... that's something impressive for a resume!  :)

There should be cake! 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus