Greetings all,

Today we commemorate the victory of Constantine I over the forces of Licinius in the Battle of Adrianople on July 3rd in 324 AD:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Adrianople_(324)

The result was a resounding victory for Constantine I. Licinius fled to Byzantium (soon to be Constantinople) and Licinius was defeated again in the battle of Chrysopolis on the 18th of September.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

Today we commemorate the Imperial Army proclaiming Nikephoros II Phocas as Emperor on the plains outside Cappadocian Caeserea on July 2nd in 963 AD: 

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

His military successes were an important part of the Byzantine resurgence of the 10th century.

There should be cake!  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

I'm pleased to announce the polling is now open for the Chariots of Fire race in the Hippodrome on July 20th, 2026!

https://take.quiz-maker.com/poll5810549xeBE44FAF-168

You have 20 days to support either the Blues or the Greens by voting in the poll! 

Once again -  this race is not simply a vote. Your voting in the poll will increase the percentage chances your team will win - but there will still be an element of chance in the final race calculations.

This race is sponsored by our Byzantium Novum Church forum at https://groups.io/g/ByzantiumNovumChurch in honor of the Prophet Elijah, who ascended to heaven on a fiery chariot. This was a historical day of celebration in the Hippodrome in Constantinople. 

As mentioned, we are encouraging Citizens to cheer on their favorite faction on our Main Forum https://groups.io/g/ByzantiumNovum and in the Hippodrome: https://groups.io/g/ByzantiumNovumHippodrome  . Anyone posting support for the race or either team will receive honorable mention in the next issue of the Basilica, and will also receive a virtual race token to commemorate their participation. 

Fair warning: I will be posting about the Chariots of Fire race gain to keep this all active. 

May the best team win!

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we celebrate Byzantine victory in the battle of Anchialus on June 30th in 763 AD: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Anchialus_(763)

The Byzantines were led by Emperor Constantine V against Bulgarian forces under Khan Telets. The Bulgarians had the high ground but charged into the lowlands to the Byzantines, most likely thinking they could sweep the field with momentum. Instead the Byzantine forces held. The battle lasted all day from sunrise to sunset, and was a firm Byzantine victory.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

In the news, some wonderful new Byzantine era mosaics discovered in Israel: 

https://en.clickpetroleoegas.com.br/archaeologists-discover-1500-year-old-byzantine-mosaic-with-greek-biblical-inscription-in-israel-uncover-ruins-of-10-buildings-near-kiryat-g-ctl01/

I'm getting some new ideas for my living room floor... :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today 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.  Nepos ruled Rome for only a year before retreating to Dalmatia. He had hopes of regaining the West from there as he did have support from Zeno in the East, but that did not happen. These were dark days for the West. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

In the news, Byzantine shipwrecks have been found off the coast of Turkey: 

https://www.labrujulaverde.com/en/2026/06/byzantine-shipwrecks-off-the-coast-of-turkiye-reveal-the-rise-and-crisis-of-trade-and-a-previously-unknown-type-of-amphora/

If you like amphorae, this article is for you! The ships holds were full of them, and a new amphora style variation has been discovered. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus