Greetings all,

 

Today we reflect on Emperor Michael I Rangabe abdicating the throne on June 22nd in 813 AD, after losing the Battle of Versinikia:

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

 

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

There had been unrest in the Byzantine army. Finally after a 13 day delay the Byzantines made an uncoordinated attack. Although outnumbered the Bulgarian forces under Krum were able to eliminate parts of the Byzantine force in piecemeal, and the Byzantines abandoned the high ground causing further rout. 

 This military defeat caused such a loss of confidence Michael was forced to abdicate after a reign of only two years in favor of Leo V the Armenian and become a monk.

As Emperor, Michel I had recognized Charlemagne as "Imperiator" (but not as Emperor of the Romans) and in exchange Venice had been returned to the Empire.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

In the news, two ancient Roman busts have been found inside a Byzantine era wine press in Israel: 

https://allisraelnews.com/two-roman-era-busts-found-in-excavation-of-byzantine-wine-vat-near-haifa

The busts are in excellent condition, and seem to have been carefully placed inside the press when it stopped being used. 

Possibly this was an attempt to preserve the busts. Possibly these guys just liked wine a LOT... 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 Greetings all,

Today we commemorate the surrender of the City of Nicea to Byzantine forces during the First Crusade on June 19th in 1097 AD:

 

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

Niceay had been held by the Seljuk Turks, who preferred to surrender to Byzantine forces than have Crusaders break into the city. 

  

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we reflect on Emperor Michael I Rangabe beginning an expedition against the Bulgars on June 17th in 812 AD:

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

Although he was initially successful his armies were defeated in the battle at Versinikia near Adrianople in June. One of his generals, Leo the Armeian rebelled and Michael I was later was forced to abdicate the throne and he became a monk under the name Athanasios. He was the last emperor to be deposed by a military coup. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

www.byzantiumnovum.org 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this day we reflect on the Emperor Julian burned his supply ships on the Tigris river before heading to the interior of Persia during his Persian Campaign on June 16th in 363 AD:

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

His armies had won a battle at Ctesiphon, the Persian capital, but his forces were unable to mount a successful siege of the city. Not wanting to withdraw and being unwilling to leave the ships for approaching enemy forces, Julian ordered the ships burned before moving forward. This possible path of retreat was later cut off in any case and the Emperor was killed while his armies fought their way out of Persia. 

Julian likely ordered the ships burned because he was a learned historian. Alexander the Great had burned his ships when attacking Persia to make sure his men would fight harder knowing they had no escape. Military tactics aside, Julian may have thought following this successful historical example would be a good omen. 

Julian's uncle, the Emperor Constantius II had fallen ill and died while beginning a campaign against the Persians and they had remained a threat since. As Julian had secured the Western provinces while serving as Caesar, he had surely hoped to gain complete security for the Empire as a whole through victory in the East.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we reflect on the life of Emperor Romanos I Lekapenos who passed in exile on  on June 15th in 948 AD:

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

He was one of the few who became emperor by suffering a major military defeat! He turned out to be a competent ruler however, seeking peace where he could and protecting small farmers from wealthy landowners.  He had 9 children and through them left a large extended family legacy of many emperors and empresses. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

In the news, an article about Anna Komnene as an example of female empowerment in Byzantium:

https://greekreporter.com/2026/06/10/byzantine-princess-anna-komnene-medieval-women-silent/

Always good to see Byzantium getting into public view - and being a positive inspiration!

-Marcus Cassius Julianus