Greetings all, 

Excellent news today, the site of a lost Byzantine city has been discovered at the Dakhla oasis in Egypt: 

https://greekreporter.com/2026/07/03/byzantine-city-egypt-dakhla-oasis/

This is a well preserved site and some interesting items have been found, including gold coins dating to the reign of Emperor Constantius II and over 200 ostraca, (writings on broken pottery) which give wonderful insight into the daily life of the city. 

It isn't every day a new Byzantine city is discovered - there should be cake!  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Greetings all,

On this day we commemorate the Edict of Milan , which was issued by Emperor Constantine I and his co-Emperor Licinius on June 13th in 313 AD:

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

This was the official publication of the new policy of religious tolerance in the Empire, especially directed at ending the persecution of Christians.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we reflect on the usurper Procopius On this day we reflect on the death of the usurper Procopius on, May 27th in 366 AD:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Procopius_(usurper)

He was a relative of the Emperor Julian and one of the generals that went on his Persian campaign. He was tasked with fortifying the border in case of Persian counterattack. After Julian's death, (apparently false) rumors that Julian had wanted Procopius to succeed him began to circulate -  which put him under suspicion by the Emperors Jovian, and Valentinian I.  

Procopius attempted to flee and hide, but ended up having to declare himself Emperor in self defense, after it became impossible for him to hide from Imperial persecution. He gained the support of two legions and held the provinces of Thrace and Bithynia. His forces were defeated in two battles and he was later captured. The Emperor Anthemius was Procopius' grandson. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

Today we reflect on Emperor Basil I (the Macedonian, not "the Great")  being crowned as Co-Emperor by Emperor Michael III on May 26th in 866 AD: 

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

In spite of coming from humble origins (and eventually murdering his unpopular predecessor) Basil ended up becoming an effective and respected ruler in spite

of having a complicated life. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

In the news, an interesting opinion article on how the Byzantine Empire saved Europe: 

https://neoskosmos.com/en/2026/05/25/dialogue/opinion/byzantine-empire-medieval-greek-empire-that-saved-europe/

Always good to see the contributions of the Eastern Roman Empire being in the public eye.  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

In the news, the ancient Byzantine royal palace has re-opened in the city of Mystras: 

https://greekreporter.com/2026/05/23/mystras-greece-only-surviving-byzantine-palace-opens/

It is the only surviving Byzantine era palace in Greece, It has been restored as a museum housing exhibits and artifacts about Byzantine royal daily life. This is a very significant historical and cultural endeavor!

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we commemorate of the birth of Emperor Constantine VII, on May 17th in 905 AD:

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

He was a good Emperor and was of course the author of "Dii Ceremonis", which is a treasure-trove of Byzantine Imperial ceremony.

There should be cake! :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

In the news, researchers used a 1500 year old Byzantine floor mosaic with a map on it to find a lost city in Jordan: 

https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/05/old-map-find-lost-city-in-jordan/

The famous Madaba Mosaic from the Church of Saint George in Jordan gave the position of the lost Byzantine settlement town  of Tharais, which had remained undiscovered. 
The site was large enough to have a stone church and other stone buildings, and hopefully more archaeology will be done there in the near future. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we commemorate Constantine VII being raised as Emperor on May 15th in 908 AD:

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

This was a purely symbolic gesture as Constantine VII was three years old at the time.

Happily he grew up to be a good ruler, as well as a scholar and writer. He was the author of "De Ceremoniis", a compendium of Byzantine court rituals, and several other works.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we commemorate the Siege of Nicaea which began on May 14th in 1097 AD:

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

Nicaea had been under the control of the Seljuk Turks since 1081. This attack on the city was the first battle of the First Crusade. The siege lasted for 6 days - then  the Turks surrendered the city to Byzantine forces to prevent it from being sacked by the Latin Crusaders.  

Byzantium for the easy win!   :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

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

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we reflect on  the Emperor Constantine announced free distribution of food to the Citizens of Constantinople on May 18th in 332 AD:

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

This was done in order to attract new Citizens for the recently founded city. This distribution was in face a continuation of the Roman  "Cura Annone" or public distribution of grain in honor of the Goddess Annona. This began sporadically in Republican times and became standard by 122AD. The practice continued in Rome until the 6th century AD, but lasted longer in Constantinople. After the loss of Egypt it was replaced in Constantinople with a distribution of bread rather than grain.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

Today we reflect on the life of the Byzantine general Constantine Palaiologos who passed on May 5th in 1306:

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_Palaiologos_(son_of_Michael_VIII)

 

He was the son of Emperor Michael VII, and was a successful general until he was slandered and forced to retire to a monastery.  Much of the of the palace he was born in is still standing. 

Interestingly his only son John Palaiologos, who served as governor of Thessalonica, rebelled against the Empire for a time. He rejoined after being offered the position of Caesar in 1326 AD.  He may be the last recorded holder of the title of Caesar.  

-Marcus Cassius Julianus