Greetings all,

On this day we reflect on the publishing of the second code of the Emperor Justinian I on December 30th in 504 AD:

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

This was a reformation of ancient Roman legal codes. The Code of Justinian was one of the three parts of a larger effort called the Corpus Juris Civilis, all three parts were published during Justinian I's reign.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

In the news, an article about the Byzantine empire in conflict with the Vikings:

https://greekreporter.com/2023/12/26/byzantine-empire-fought-vikings/

Pretty well done and a nice introductory piece on the Viking attach on Constantinople!  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

On this day 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,

In the news, an article on "Neo Byzantines" celebrating Christmas:

https://neoskosmos.com/en/2023/12/23/dialogue/opinion/diatribe-neobyzantine-christmas/

I'm not sure what to make of it, but it was interesting!  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

 

 

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

www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

In the News - an article on how the Byzantine Empire saved Civilization:

https://stream.org/empire-of-god-how-the-christian-byzantine-empire-saved-civilization/

It is an interview with Robert Spencer on his new book "Empire of God". I've ordered a copy and am looking forward!  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

In the news, an interesting article on the AIMA prophecy during the Komnenos Dynasty between 1080 and 1204 AD:

https://greekreporter.com/2023/12/20/blood-prophecy-byzantine-emperor/

An interesting story and it's amazing that it stayed relevant for so long!

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

In the news - an article on 10 Byzantine Inventions:

https://greekreporter.com/2023/12/15/byzantine-inventions-used-today/

The article says the inventions are "still in use today" - but honestly I can't even recall the last time I fired a Trebuchet at someone or pumped Greek Fire on their boat... :P

Great to see the Empire in the news in any case!

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

www.byzantiumnovum.org 

 

 

 Greetings all,

On this Day we commemorate the anniversary of the birth of Emperor John VIII Palaiologos on  December 18th in 1392 AD:

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

There should be cake!  :)

He was the eldest son of Manuel II Palaiologos and Helena Dragas, and was co-Emperor with is father before 1416 and became sole Emperor in 1425. John VIII successfully supervised the defense of Constantinople during an Ottoman siege by the forces of Murad II and tried to secure help from the West by consenting to a union of the Greek and Roman churches. Although this failed he was able to keep possession of Constantinople. John VIII was the last Byzantine Emperor to die of natural causes.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today, December 17th is the beginning of the ancient Roman festival of Saturnalia which runs until December 23:

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

This was a time of celebration, feasting and the giving of candle gifts to celebrate the returning of longer light after the Winter Solstice.

It seems uncertain how late Saturnalia continued to be publicly celebrated in Byzantium, but it was certainly present in the time of Constantine and his successors through Justinian I. No doubt it was increasingly subsumed by festival days for Saints, and of course Christmas! Even so this festival from before the Republic would have been remembered throughout Byzantine history.

-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

www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

On this day we commemorate with joy the victory of Emperor Heraclius and his army at the battle of Ninevah on December 12th in 627 AD: 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Nineveh_(627)

The Byzantine forces fought the Sassanians under emperor Khosaru II and his appointed general Rhahzadh, who was said to have challenged Emperor Heraclius to single combat. Heraclius accepted and killed Rahdadh and also two other challengers after him. After 8 hours of fighting the Sassanian army was forced to retreat, giving the Byzantines the victory.

 -Marcus Cassius Julianus

www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

 On this day 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

www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this 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 is the Feast Day of Saint Nicholas of Myra:

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

Saint Nicholas remains one of the best remembered and most venerated of Saints due to his amazing life and legacy. I hope all are able to reflect on his wonderful life and continuing legacy today! 

-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

www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

"What does it take to cut the Roman Empire in half? A pair of Caesars!"

-Diocletian
 

 

Greetings all,

On this day we reflect on the exile of Silverius, the Pope of Rome to the island of Palmarola by General Belisarius on  December 2nd in 537 AD:

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

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

He was accused of conspiring with the Goths by Antonia, Belisarius' wife. It is entirely possible that this was the case as the Roman church probably had developed a working relationship with the Goths during their rule of Rome. Antonia likely heard of this through gossip from sources in the church or the Roman aristocracy.

Belisarius exiled Silverius to the Island of Palmarola which was extremely desolate. Silverius died there. He was replaced by Pope Vigilius, appointed from Constantinople, who was the first pope of the Byzantine Papacy.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

On this day we commemorate 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, 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
www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

Greetings all,

On this Day 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,

On this Day we commemorate with sadness the passing of the Emperor Valentinian I on November 17th in 375 AD:

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

He was the brother of the Eastern Roman Emperor Valens. During his reign Valentinian successfully fought the Alamanni, Quadi and Sarmatians. His victory at the Battle of Solicinium and his success in defeating revolts in Africa and Gaul, as well as his building of fortifications and fortresses left him the legacy of being considered the "last great Western Emperor."

-Marcus Cassius Julianus 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this day we commemorate with sadness the passing of the Emperor Justinian I on November 14 in 565 AD:

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

His legacy was truly amazing, from building the Hagia Sophia to retaking parts of the Western Roman Empire. He was canonized as a Saint and his feast day is today.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

It was a busy week and I kind of glossed over the big news of divers finding 50,000 "Roman coins" in a shipwreck. Turns out they were from the 4th century and many were of Emperor Constantine I:

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/thousands-of-4th-century-bronze-coins-discovered-underwater-off-sardinia-180983206/

 All the coins are in an amazing state of preservation. Only 4 were damaged and even those are still readable. The rest all look like they're "extra fine" so they'll make an amazing museum presentation!  It makes a person want to take up diving lessons... 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

On this day we commemorate the future Empress Zoe becoming the Empress-Consort of Romanos III Argyros on November 12th in 1208 AD:

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

She was a strong and popular Empress who was known for her beauty. She even had a cosmetics laboratory her her palace rooms, and was said to be youthful looking into her 60's.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all 

It seems that the final season of the Netflix show "Vikings: Valhalla" will feature Constantinople:

https://greekcitytimes.com/2023/11/11/vikings-valhalla-constantinople/

Shout out to all the Varangians out there. I hope they do it well and it will help bring some attention to the Eastern Roman Empire!

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

In the news, a Byzantine era wall may have led archaeologists to the home of the Apostle Peter:

https://www.haaretz.com/archaeology/2023-11-08/ty-article-magazine/archaeologists-find-site-early-christians-venerated-as-apostle-peters-home/0000018b-ae8c-d3c1-a39b-beedd7520000

The Byzantine construction is a sign that the site was a significant religious site in the early Empire.  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus 

www.byzantiumnovum.org 

 

Greetings all,

On this Day we commemorate the victorious the Battle of Andrassos, fought between Byzantine and Arab forces on November 8th in 960 AD:

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

It was a resounding victory for Byzantine forces led by Phocas the younger. This battle broke the Hamdanid emirate, eventually resulting in the recapture of Antioch, and the vassalization of Aleppo. After the battle a triumph was held in the Hippodrome in Constantinople.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

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

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

There should be cake!  :)

Constans II 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; a system we have revived here for our local groups in Byzantium Novum!  

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

New on Youtube - one of the best videos on Byzantium I've seen: "Why is Byzantium Not Popular?":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTXTRbtKWoE

Well done, and there's even hope at the end...  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

In the news - a Byzantine era sundial calendar which was a masterpiece of mathematics and astronomy for the time: 

https://greekreporter.com/2023/11/02/byzantine-sundial-calendar-antikythera-mechanism/

It was created some time between 400 and 600 AD, and could tell the time in 16 different locations across the Roman Empire. It could also place the positions of the sun and moon, and calculate the lunar phase. 

An amazing technological artifact! 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this Day we commemorate the passing of John III Doukas Vatatzes, the Emperor of Nicea on November 4th in 1254 AD:

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

John III Doukas was a successful general and Emperor who set the groundwork for the Byzantine recovery of Constantinople. He was later canonized as a Saint and his feast day is today. His relics were said to have been moved to Constantinople and guarded by a family of crypto-Christians, and he awaits the liberation of the City to this day.

So...

"I'll be back."

-Emperor John III Doukas Vatatzes

:)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 www.byzantiumnovum.org

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

On this day we reflect on the passing of the Emperor Constantius II on November 3rd in 361 AD:

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

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,

In the news, a very good article on the Byzantine Saint Porphyrius, who brought Christianity to Gaza in 395 AD:

https://greekreporter.com/2023/10/30/saint-porphyrius-christianity-gaza/

I was unfamiliar with this story, and was fascinated to learn about it!

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this day we reflect on the start final invasion of the Roman Emperor by the Alemanni on January 2nd in 365 AD:

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

The Alemanni had previously been defeated by the Emperor Julian in campaigns during the years 357, 358, 359, and 360 AD and had signed treaties of peace. After this new incursion into Roman territory they were later defeated in the Battle of Solicinium by the Emperor Valentinian I. This was their last invasion of Rome, and in 496 they were absorbed into the Carolingian Empire.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

On this day we reflect with sadness on the banishment of the Empress Irena to the Island of Lesbos on October 31st in 802 AD: 

 

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

 

Conspirators placed Nikephoros on the throne in her stead and Irene was reduced to spinning wool to support herself in exile. She was later made a Saint for her efforts in restoring the veneration of Icons, and her feast day is August 7th.

Interestingly it is believed she had thought of marrying Charlemagne and thereby linking the East and West once again, but the plan was frustrated by one of her court favorites. Not only did Irene restore Icons, she might possibly have restored the Roman Empire after a fashion.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

In the news, a fascinating article about Greek influence in Asia:

https://greekreporter.com/2023/10/26/ancient-greek-kingdom-china/

While much of the info given is from before the time of Byzantium itself, it is known that silk road trade between Asia and the West continued to the 5th century AD, and was thereafter continued in the 13th and 14th centuries.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this day we commemorate the victorious Constantine I entering the City of Rome after the Battle of the Milvian Bridge on October 29 in 312 AD:

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

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adventus_(ceremony)

He was acclaimed by cheering crowds in a grand adventus ceremony. Rome was hastily decorated for the occasion, and Constantine was met by a welcoming procession which welcomed him into the city. A panegyric was made in his honor and public games and feasts were held.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this Day we commemorate the anniversary of Constantine's Vision before the battle of the Milvian Bridge:

http://www.classichistory.net/archives/constantine-christianity

There has been much speculation about the details of this vision. It was not Constantine's first (he is known to have had visions of Both Venus and Mercury in previous years.) It is also thought that his vision might have been a celestial phenomenon called a Solar Halo, where the Sun can form a cross and circle image in the sky. It is even possible that originally he wasn't certain whether this was related to Sol Invictus or the Christian Cross... he did mint coins with Sol Invictus with a halo for years after.

Whatever the details, Constantine this symbol as the Labrum banner into all conflicts after, and this vision did change the world.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 Greetings all,

On this day we reflect on the Emperor Leo I proclaiming his grandson Leo II as Caesar on October 25 in 473 AD:

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

Leo II was crowned at age 6 but he sadly passed away at age 7. He had been promoted over his father Zeno. It is unknown whether Leo II's passing was from natural causes or he was simply in the way of Zeno himself.

Let this small Emperor be remembered with compassion.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus