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

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

In the news, an interesting article about "miraculous" Byzantine eye therapies: 

https://greekreporter.com/2026/05/01/byzantine-eye-therapies/

An interesting peek (see what I did there?) into the medicine of the Eastern Roman Empire!

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

Today we commemorate the birth of the Emperor Constantine III, on May 3rd in 612 AD:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constantine_III_(Byzantine_emperor)

There should be cake!  :)

He was the eldest son of the Emperor Heraclius and his first wife Eudokia. He had been raised as Co-Emperor in 613 AD, and remained co-Emperor until 641 AD. He reigned as sole ruler for only three months in 641 AD before dying of illness. He was the father of Emperor Constans II.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

Today we reflect on the life of the Emperor Arcadius who passed on May 1st in 408 AD:

 

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

 

He was the son of Emperor Theodosius I, Arcadius was Emperor of the East and his brother Honorius was Emperor of the West.

Arcadius not a strong ruler and was heavily influenced by both his advisors and his consort the Empress Aelia Eudocia for most of his rule. It seems that as a person he focused more on being an example of a pious Christian than being concerned with military or political matters.  He did however begin the Theodosian Walls around Constantinople and as his rule was mostly inoffensive he provided stable legal continuity through a troubled time.

 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

On this day we reflect on the Battle of Tzirallum during the Civil Wars of the Tetarchy and was fought between the forces of Licinius and Maximinus on April 30th in 313 AD:

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

This battle was fought six months after the battle of the Milvian Bridge and was a decisive victory for Licinius, who was allied with Constantine I. This secured Byzantium for them and helped to solidify the territory of the Eastern Roman Empire. 

 

 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

 Greetings all, 

Today we celebrate Byzantine victory in the battle of Levounion on April 29 in 1091 AD:: 

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

The battle was fought between the forces of Emperor Alexios I and the Pechenegs (a Turkish tribe allied to the Ottomans) 20 years after the disastrous Battle of Manzikert. The forces of the Empire and their allies caught the Pencheneg forces by surprise and the battle was almost a massacre. Surviving Pechenegs were later settled into depopulated areas of the Empire, and became part of the Empire. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we commemorate the crowning of Emperor Basil II by his father Emperor Romanos II on April 22nd in 960 AD:

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

Although he was only a 2 year old child at the time, it turned out well in the end! Basil II went on to reign as sole emperor for almost 50 years. In addition to his famous military exploits he was also known as a competent administrator and it was under his reign the Varangian Guard was formed.

There should be cake!

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

Greetings all,

 

Today we celebrate the birth  of Emperor Michael IX Palaiologos on April 17th in 1277 AD:

 

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

Michael IX was an active and energetic soldier, willing to make personal sacrifices to encourage and pay his troops. He was called a "Pious lord" and "a true king in word and deed" and was considered one of the bravest knights in the world. 

Sadly he was generally unsuccessful in his campaigns. Whether this was due to a lack of skill on his part, the weakness of the Byzantine military at the time or simply bad luck has been debated. The fact that he inspired both loyalty and good reputation in spite of things does say a lot...

There should be cake!  :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

In the news, an article about Byzantine "Warrior Saints": 

https://greekreporter.com/2026/04/11/warrior-saints-byzantine-empire/

An interesting exploration of Saints that  were venerated as protectors of armies and cities throughout the Byzantine world. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we commemorate John VII Palaiologos becoming Emperor on April 14th in 1309 AD: 

 

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

He was ousted after five months by his uncle Manuel, but never gave up his claim to the throne. Later in 1399 the Ottomans besieged Constantinople and John VII successfully defended the city for three years until his uncles return. John VII then negotiated a favorable treaty with the Ottomans which returned the city of Thessalonica (whch had been lost in 1387) to the Byzantine Empire. 

An impressive legacy - he could have lived a life fighting civil war but instead continued to work for the health of the Empire. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus  

 

Greetings all,

 

Today we reflect with sadness on the Latin crusaders taking the last parts of Constantinople on April 13th in 1204 AD:

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

They had breached the seaward walls at the Golden Horn the day before. Once they were inside the walls it was impossible to hold them from capturing the remainder of the city. This temporarily ended Byzantine rule in the city for the next half century.

In the wake of this event the Byzantines established the Despotate of Epirus, the Empire of Nicea, and the Empire of Trebizond which lasted until 1479, 1264, and 1461 respectively.

 

 -Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

In the news, the discovery of a 6th century fortified Byzantine monastery in Alicante, Spain: 

https://greekreporter.com/2026/04/08/rare-byzantine-fort-el-monastil-spain/

The site was called Elum in Latin, and was located along the Via Augusta. Both military and religious artifacts have been found, including parts of armor from the fortifications, and altar and other religious parts inside the site church. Archaeology is hopefully ongoing in this fascinating site!

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we commemorate the Emperor Anastasius I becoming Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire on April 11th in 491 AD:

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

Even though he was in his 60's when he assumed the throne he reigned long and well with many impressive achievements. Anastasius reformed Byzantine coinage which greatly improved the economy and Byzantine treasury, built the Chalke Gate in Constantinople, built the amazing Anastasian wall across all of Thrace, and dredged a harbor which was a project first suggested by Pliny the Elder centuries earlier. 

One of my favorite Emperors... :)   

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

Today we celebrate the birth of the Emperor Theodosius II on April 10th in 401 AD:

 

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

 

He was the son of the Emperor Arcadius and Empress Aelia Eudoxia. Thodosius II is mostly known for promulgating the Theodosian Law Code, and for the construction of the Theodosian Walls in Constantinople.

Yes, you guessed it... there should be cake! :)

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

www.byzantiumnovum.org 

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

Today we reflect on  Crusader and Venetian forces attacked the fortifications at the Golden Horn during the Latin siege of Constantinople on April 9th in 1204 AD:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Constantinople_(1204)

 

The assault forces were driven back and troops that landed came under heavy archery fire between the shore and the city walls.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

 In the news, an article on the Byzantine scholars who helped shape the Renaissance in the West: 

https://greekreporter.com/2026/04/07/greatest-byzantine-greek-scholars-renaissance/

Scholars leaving the East after the fall of Constantinople brought much ancient Greek knowledge with them, helping to re-awaken Civilization in the West. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

Today we reflect on the Western Emperor Honorius banning barbarian costume in Rome on April 7th in 397 AD:

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honorius_(emperor)

 

His edict specifically banned the wearing of pants (braccae) which were considered uncivilized. 

This edict was likely meant to preserve Classical tradition and the image of Rome as a capital city. The Roman army had long adopted braccae for cold weather, this may also have been intended to prevent Rome from beginning to seem like an armed camp. 

This was in fact not the first fashion decree in the Roman world. Sumptuary laws centuries earlier had banned extravagant and expensive dress during difficult times. 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

 

Today marks our commemoration of the beginning of the final Siege of Constantinople on April 6th in 1453 AD:

 

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

 

At the beginning of the siege, Mehmed sent out some of his best troops to reduce the remaining Byzantine strongholds outside the city of Constantinople. The fortress of Therapia on the Bosphorus and a smaller castle at the village of Studius near the Sea of Marmara were taken within a few days.

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all, 

 

In the news - a story of a baptismal site discovered in the ancient city of Hippos (again, "Hipp-oss", not the animal!) in Israel: 

 

https://www.jpost.com/archaeology/article-891771

 

It looks like archaeology has been continuing on the site, which is a wonderful thing!

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we reflect of the end of the Avar siege of the Byzantine city of Constanta on March 30th in 598 AD:, the Avars lifted their siege of the Byzantine city of Constanta and retreated north of the Danube after being decimated by plague: 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maurice's_Balkan_campaigns#Renewed_campaigns,_597–602

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

 

Avar forces became decimated by plague and were forced to retreat north of the Danube. This Byzantine victory preserved the city until it fell into the hands of the Ottomans in 1419. Constanta was the city the Roman poet Ovid was banished to by the Emperor Augustus in 8 AD, and a statue of Ovid remains in the modern city today.

 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus

 

 

 

 

 

Greetings all,

Today we reflect on Constantinople beginning preparations for the Ottoman assault on March 14th in 1453 AD

The task of deepening the moat around Constantinople's land fortifications commenced  with the assistance of the Venetian crews from the galleys of Alvise Diedo and Gabriel Trevisan.  Repairs were completed in the vicinity of the Xyloporta, the Palace of Blakhernai, and the Tower of Anemas. The fortification work was completed by March 31.

(From the book "The Siege and Fall of Constantinople, Historiography, Topography and Military Studies" by Marios Philippides and Walter K. Hanak, Ashgate Press, 2011) 

-Marcus Cassius Julianus