Battle of Manzikert, 1071
Today we reviewed the seven main dynasties of the Byzantine Empire, and provided more details to connect each dynasty to a particular time period of the empire.
Beginning with the Heraclian dynasty, the outlook of the Empire seems to have changed from being an extension of the Roman Empire to an empire with an identity all its own.
A few key points to remember:
1. The Byzantines became much more "defensive-minded" after learning how difficult a wide area can be to control (Justinian dynasty).
2. Though not as big, the Macedonian dynasty is typically accepted by historians as the "height" of the Byzantine Empire, particularly the reign of Basil II "Bulgaroctonus" (around 1000 AD)
3. Being caught in between the Western Crusaders and the rising Muslim regions proved to be the beginning of the end for the Empire.
4. Two major events that led to the decline of the Byzantine Empire were the loss at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 (pictured) and the siege and sack (looting) of Constantinople by Western Christian crusaders in 1204 (below).
Beginning with the Heraclian dynasty, the outlook of the Empire seems to have changed from being an extension of the Roman Empire to an empire with an identity all its own.
A few key points to remember:
1. The Byzantines became much more "defensive-minded" after learning how difficult a wide area can be to control (Justinian dynasty).
2. Though not as big, the Macedonian dynasty is typically accepted by historians as the "height" of the Byzantine Empire, particularly the reign of Basil II "Bulgaroctonus" (around 1000 AD)
3. Being caught in between the Western Crusaders and the rising Muslim regions proved to be the beginning of the end for the Empire.
4. Two major events that led to the decline of the Byzantine Empire were the loss at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071 (pictured) and the siege and sack (looting) of Constantinople by Western Christian crusaders in 1204 (below).