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

 

 

 

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