Greetings all,

Today we celebrate the crowning of Majorian as Emperor of the West on  December 28th in 457 AD:

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

Majorian was recognized as Emperor of the West by Constantinople, and he and Emperor Leo I were jointly made consuls at this time.  

 

Majorian was a successful commander who retook most of the Province of Gaul for Rome, and the historian Gibbon Majorian "presents the welcome discovery of a great and heroic character, such as sometimes arise, in a degenerate age, to vindicate the honour of the human species".

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

On this day we celebrate the anniversary of the completion of the Hagia Sophia on December 27th in 537 AD:

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

The Hagia Sophia was inaugurated on this day by the Emperor Justinian and Patriarch Menas with grand official ceremony and celebration. :)

There should be cake!

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all, 

Merry Christmas to all in Byzantium Novum!  :)

In Byzantium today was a day of religious celebration, where the Emperor would again make a procession from the palace to the Hagia Sophia. The day would begin with an informal breakfast, after which the Emperor would begin the procession from the palace. 

He would greet the leaders of the Blues and Greens, the Senate, and Magistrates along the way, awarding customary monetary stipends to each. Each office received a set amount of money (so there could be no unfairness or jealousy) and formal traditional greetings were given. The procession would grow behind the emperor. When the group arrived at the Hagia Sophia the Emperor would be greeted by the Patriarch and the would enter the church for the Christmas service. 

After the ceremonies at the Hagia Sophia there would be public feasting, so it was a grand day for all. 

I hope all are having a wonderful day, and we can all look forward to the New Year!  

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 
Today we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of the Emperor Diocletian on December 22 in 244 AD:

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

 

As Emperor he was the first to divide the Roman Empire between East and West, setting the stage in which the Eastern Roman Empire began its unique history.

There should be cake!  :)

 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all, 

On this day we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Manuel III of Trebizond on  December 16th in 1364 AD:

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

He was the son of Emperor Alexios III of Trebizond and EmpressTheodora Kantakouzene. During Manuel III's reign Trebizond was under great danger from the Ottoman Empire. However Manuel III's victory over the Turko-Mongol forces of Tamerlane at the Battle of Ankara removed that threat.

Manuel III was able to ensure the safety of Trebizond for several more decades through diplomacy with the Turkmen.

There should be cake!  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today  we celebrate General Belisarius' victory over the Vandals  in the Battle of Tricamarum on December 15th in 533 AD:

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

The battle was fought in Northern Africa and effectively ended the power of the Vandals. North Africa and shortly after all other Vandal territory soon came under Roman rule. 

This was of course not the end of nuisance crime such as painted graffiti, etc. however.  That's the other vandals.  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

Today we reflect on Emperor Michael of Trebizond being deposed on this Day - December 13th in 1349 AD:

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

His rule had been unsuccessful and he was in ill health. He was forced to abdicate in favor of John VI Kantakouzenos, the son of Emperor of Trebizond Basil Megas Komnenos, who arrived from Constantinople and was crowned on December 22 as Emperor Alexios III.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 Today we commemorate the Emperor Julian entering Constantinople as sole Emperor on December 11th in 361 AD:

 

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

As Caesar of the West he had been victorious against Alemanni invasions in Gaul and had been proclaimed Augustus by his troops. His uncle the Emperor Constantius II considered this rebellion and was en-route from the East with his armies, but fell ill and proclaimed Julian sole Emperor before he passed. Religious controversies aside, Julian was a competent administrator and reformed many court excesses which had existed under the previous Emperor. 

 -Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this day we commemorate with joy the anniversary of General Belisarius entering the city of Rome during the Gothic War on December 9th in 536 AD:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gothic_War_(535-554)

He entered the city unopposed. The Gothic garrison of Rome had fled fled the city, putting up no resistance to Belisarius and his troops when they entered the Porta Asinaria gate in the Aurelian Walls. This marked the first time Rome was controlled by the Empire in 60 years.

There should be cake!  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all, 

In the news, an article about the Byzantine fortress of Monemvasia, which dates from the 4th Century and still has people still living at the site: 

https://www.journee-mondiale.com/en/this-byzantine-fortress-rises-from-aegean-waters-where-30-residents-live-inside-medieval-walls/

If I get one or two billion dollars I'm buying this thing and sticking the Byzantium Novum flag on it. It's literally the *perfect* site for a Byzantine micronation - looks like there's a church already extant, living space, pretty much everything needed. It could be a functioning site for restoring  Byzantine culture and civilization... and promoted properly it'd bring in great tourist revenue for the actual legally owning macronation of Greece as well.  Talk about love at first sight!  :)

Um, if you're reading this and you're secretly fabulously wealthy, come talk to me, haha!  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

Today we commemorate Tiberius II being raised as Caesar on December 7th in 574 AD:

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

He was appointed by Emperor Justin II who was having seizures of mental illness. Interestingly there was a plague in Constantinople at the time, and it abated the day after Tiberius II was raised to be Caesar. That had to have been seen as a good omen which proved to be true enough; Tiberius was a popular ruler, being tall, handsome and having a reputation for kindness and generosity.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we reflect on the life of the Emperor Diocletian on the anniversary of his passing on December 3rd in 311 AD:

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

Diocletian established the tetrarchy and divided the Roman Empire into the Eastern and Western Empires, along with his appointed co-Emperor Maximian. This division would remain for the rest of Roman history and some scholars regard his actions as the start of the Byzantine Empire. Diocletian ruled for 21 years and retired peacefully, which in itself was a major achievement after the crisis of the 3rd Century.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

 

Today we celebrate with joy the birthday of Anna Komnene, on , December 1 in 1083 AD:

 

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

 

Anna was the daughter of Emperor Alexios I. She was a Byzantine princess, scholar, physician and teacher of medicine, hospital administrator, and historian. She authored the book "The Alexiad" which has remained an important historical source throughout the centuries.

 

Happy birthday to Anna... there should be cake!  :)

 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we celebrate the first "foundation ceremonies" (Consecratia Deo) for the City of Constantinople, in which Constantine I affirmed it as the new capital of the Empire on November 26th in 328 AD:,

https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/constantine-i-great-roman-emperor

Constantine allowed Imperial astronomers to cast horoscopes for the city, and allowed Classical priests to perform their rites. This was apparently a precursor to the official "dedication" of Constantinople which happened on May 11th in 330 AD.

There should be cake!

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 Greetings all,

Today, November 24th is the start of the ancient Roman festival of Brumalia:

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

https://www.ancient-origins.net/history-ancient-traditions/busy-romans-needed-mid-winter-break-too-and-it-lasted-24-days-007233

According to the ancient calendar the Brumalia started today and went through the festival of Saturnalia, which went from Dec. 17th through Dec. 21st. During Byzantine times the Brumalia was celebrated by Justinian I and Empress Theodora, and it continued to be celebrated right up to the 11th century. Justinian and others Christianized it of course and it seems to have become a "fall going into Christmas" festival, leading to the Winter Solstice. 

The "Book of Ceremonies" written by Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitos details the celebration of the Brumalia, which included feasting and monetary gifts from the Emperor to all magistrates. 

I'm personally considering this "ancient Thanksgiving", and am celebrating accordingly!  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

Greetings all, 

In the news, the archaeological report from the site of the Agaios Herakleios church in the village of Kofinu in Cyprus:

https://www.gov.cy/en/culture/completion-of-the-excavation-at-the-site-of-kofinou-agios-herakleios-and-menogeia-limnes/

https://knews.kathimerini.com.cy/en/news/ancient-church-and-lost-pottery-workshop-rewrite-cyprus-early-byzantine-story

An interesting end of dig report of Byzantine era finds!  

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

Today, we commemorate the crowning of  Libius Severus, who became Emperor of the West on November 19th in 461 AD:

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

He was elected to the position by the Roman Senate in Ravenna, but his rule was dominated by Count Ricimer. Severus was not recognized by Leo I, Emperor of the East, but there was still some collaboration between the two courts in various affairs and the choosing of Consuls. Surprisingly for a Western Emperor during this period Libius Severus seems to have died a natural death.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we celebrate the life of Emperor Constantine VII who passed on this day - November 9th in 959 AD:

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

He was one of the most learned Emperors, and the author of four books: De Administrando Imperio, De Ceremoniis, and De Thematibus . His De Ceremoniis gives us nearly all of what we know about the Royal Court of Constantinople and its ceremonies.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

Today we commemorate the birth of Emperor Constans II on November 7th in 630 AD:

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

Constans II was the son of Emperor Heraclius and he was the last Emperor to serve in the office of Consul, although the office continued to exist on record until 886 AD. In 663 he  visited Rome for 12 days and was the first Eastern Emperor to have visited there since 476 AD.

The first Byzantine Themes were created during the rule of Constans II.

There should be cake!  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all, 

 A new Byzantine style instrumental song... enjoy! 

 -Marcus Cassius Julianus

www.byzantiumnovum.org 

 

Greetings all,

 

Today we reflect on the life of Emperor Constantius II who passed on November 3rd in 361 AD:

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

His reign was marked by continued border warfare with Persia and by civil wars and usurpations. Constantius II was a competent military leader; while he was stalemated against the Persions he was very successful within the Empire, putting down all rivals who faced him.

He passed away from a fever in the city of Mopsuestia in Cicilia (Anatolia, Turkey). He was leading his legions to join battle with the forces of his young cousin Julian who he had named as Caesar of the West, after the Western legions had proclaimed Julian the Western Emperor.  On his deathbed Constantius II was baptized, and declared Julian to be his rightful successor. This left Julian II as Emperor of both the Eastern and Western empires.

 

 -Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

Today we reflect on the last fully Western Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustus, who was crowned on October 31 in 461 AD:

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

Although he was deposed he was allowed to retire with a stipend. It is quite possible he lived to see Rome retaken by the forces of Emperor Justinian I, in 536 AD. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we reflect with sadness on Arab forces taking the city of Antioch after the Battle of the Iron Bridge on  October 30th in 637 AD:

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

The battle took its name from a bridge over the Orontes river which had iron gates. After the loss of Antioch by the Byzantines the Rashidun Caliphate captured most of north-western Syria, easily defeating what little Byzantine and Christian Syrian resistance they faced. 

Antioch was not fully recaptured by the West until 968 AD under the reign of Nikephoros II Phokas. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

In the news, Byzantine tombs in the city of Nicea: 

https://www.turkiyetoday.com/culture/turkiyes-nicaea-excavation-charts-300-years-of-roman-early-byzantine-burial-rites-3208801

Some interesting archaeology, and they plan to make the site into an open-air museum.  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this Day - October 18th in 1009 AD, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was destroyed by the Fatimid Caliphate:

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

It was hacked down to bedrock. It was rebuilt by Emperor Constantine IX in 1048 AD and still stands today. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

  

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

In the news, Greece has announced plans to restore the church at the site of the ancient Byzantine city of Maximianopolis, in Thrace: 

https://greekreporter.com/2025/10/16/greece-rediscovers-forgotten-city-byzantine-thrace/

It seems this will be "archaeological restoration" meaning minor restoration to key features and preventing further degradation of the site. 

All I know is I'm glad I don't have to try cheering the name of the city during a sports event...  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

Today we reflect on the victory of Count Ricimer over the Emperor Avitus at Piacena on October 16th in 456 AD:

 

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

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

 

This left Ricimer the master of the Western Empire. However the Emperor Leo I later appointed Majorian as Emperor of the West.

*Some have thought Avitus was just an usurper, and Maorian was the legitimate Emperor recognized in the East by Leo I.  Though Avitus was sketchily appointed by Theodoric and crowned in the West, he was the only candidate at the time. Majorian, the Comes Domesticorum, initially supported Avitus' bid for Emperor.

That changed when Avitus lost support of the Aristocracy in Rome. Thereafter Ricimer opposed him, and Majorian made his own bid for the throne, and was legitimately recognized as Emperor only after Avitus was already dead. For these reasons Avitus doesn't appear on the usual lists of Roman Usurpers.  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

Today we commemorate with sadness the invasion of the Roman Province of Hispania by the Vandal and Alans tribes, which they took from Roman control on October 13th in 509 AD: 

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

 

In 551 AD during the reign of Emperor Justinian I, part of Hispania would later be briefly re-taken from the Visigoths by an army under the command of Petrus Marcellinus Felix Liberius.This reconquest recovered an area along the Mediterranean coast roughly corresponding to the ancient province of Baetica, known as Spania.

 

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

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

Today we reflect on the ending of the Byzantine-Venetian war on October 4th in 1302 AD:  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Byzantine-Venetian_War_(1296-1302)

In that year a fleet of 28 Venetian galleys sailed to Constantinople and flogged captives within sight of the city walls. The incident induced the Byzantines to propose a peace treaty. Venice returned most (but not all) of the islands captured during the conflict and Byzantium agreed to pay for Venetian losses incurred in 1296.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

Greetings all,

 

 Today we commemorate Heraclius the Elder taking power from the Emperor Phocas in the culmination of the Heraclian revolution on October 3rd in 610 AD:

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

Heraclius had been the Exarch of Carthage during the ruinous reign of the Emperor Phocas, and finally rose into rebellion. He cut off the grain supply and with his brother Gregorius sailed to Constantinople. Upon entering the city on this day he was greeted by the people as their deliverer.

His son, Heraclius the Younger was crowned Emperor on October 10th.

Heraclius the Elder was named a Hero of Byzantium Novum in 2018.  Heraclius the Younger was named a Hero of Byzantium Novum in 2019. 

There should be cake!  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

On this Day - September 23rd in 518 AD, Euphemia, (the wife of Justin I) became Empress:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Euphemia_(empress)

She originally had the Roman name Lupicina and took the name Euphemia upon becoming Empress. She became an equal ruler with her husband and was admired by many.  She and Justin I were both in their later years when they gained the throne. 

 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

Today we commemorate the life and legacy of the Roman general Flavius Aetius, who was killed through court intrigue on September 21st in 454 AD:

 

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

 

Known as "The last of the Romans", Flavius Aetius had stopped Attila the Hun at the Battle of the Catalaunian Plains. Aetius was the most influential man in the Empire for two decades and his untimely death greatly weakened the Western Roman Empire.

Let us celebrate his impressive victories and accomplishments, and reflect on his example of Romanitas.

 -Marcus Cassius Julianus