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

 

 

 

 

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