Greetings all, 

In the news, an article on the Byzantine "dead cities" in Syria: 

https://greekreporter.com/2026/05/13/syrias-ancient-cities-reveal-roman-byzantine-architecture/

Apparently there are around 700 abandoned Byzantine era towns that were populated by Syriac speaking Christian communities in the area. The area produced olive oil and wine, and were populated through the 7th century AD. It seems many remains are still extant and there is much opportunity for archaeology.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 Greetings all,

Today we commemorate the passing of Thomas Palaiologos, the Emperor of the Despotate of Moria on May 12th in 1465 AD:

 

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

 

He became the legitimate heir to the Byzantine throne in 1460, a claim he maintained while in exile. He had hopes of gaining support from the West in regaining the Eastern Empire, but talk of new efforts in the East did not come to any action.

Thomas may not have regained the Empire, but on the bright side he did get a very cool hat...

 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

Greetings all,

Today, May 11th is International Byzantine Day.  

http://byzantiumnovum.org/byzantium-novum-culture/may-11-is-international-byzantine-day/

This day is the 1,695th anniversary of the founding consecration of the City of Constantinople by the Emperor Constantine I.  :)

Today Byzantium Novum is pleased to be a continuation of the Empire. Our existence is a reminder that the Eastern Roman Empire is as much about New Beginnings as it is about history.

We encourage you to celebrate and enjoy Things Byzantine today - and allow the spirit of the Renewal of the Roman Empire bring you a fresh start if you need it. 

Oh, and there should be cake!  :)

Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

In the news, an article about a 20 year period of anarchy during the 8th century in the Eastern Roman Empire: 

https://greekreporter.com/2026/05/04/anarchy-darkest-hour-byzantium/

It began with the reign of Emperor Justinian II and kept the Empire in turmoil for two decades. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this day, May 9th in 1009 AD, the Lombard Revolt began against the Byzantine province known as the Catephanate of Italy:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_conquest_of_southern_Italy#Lombard_revolt,_1009_1022

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

After a series of struggles the Byzantine Empire was successful in holding the territory until 1071, when they lost the City of Bari.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this Day we reflect on  the Emperor Honorius (brother of the Eastern Emperor Arcadius) signing an edict providing tax relief for the Italian provinces on May 8th in 413 AD:

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

Rome itself had been sacked in 410 AD, and Tuscia, Campania, Picenum, Samnium, Apulia, Lucania and Calabria had also all been plundered by the Visigoths. This tax relief was an effort to help the provinces rebuild. Both Honorius and Arcadius have poor historical legacies for not being strong emperors, but they did provide some competent administration and civil continuity.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

Today we reflect on the collapse of the dome of the Hagia Sophia after an earthquake on May 7th in 558 AD:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagia_Sophia#Third_church_.28current_structure.29

The dome had been weakened by prior earthquakes in December of 557, and its fall destroyed the ambon, altar and ciborium. The Emperor Justinian ordered an immediate restoration and the re-dedication of the structure was done on December 23 in 562 AD.

I'm sure Justinian's quick action was intended to restore public confidence after the tragedy and it seems to have worked. The new dome still stands.

May all the Empire find similar restoration!   :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus