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The '''Byzantine Empire''', called in [[period]] the '''Eastern Roman Empire''' or '''New Rome''' was centred around the city of [[Constantinople]] and represented the eastern bulwark of [[Christendom]] against the rise of [[Islam]]. Unlike western Europe, however, the Byzantines were [[Eastern Orthodox]] [[Christian]]s, and not [[Roman Catholic]]s.
== Byzantine Ceremony ==


Byzantium played an immensely important role in the [[Medieval]] era, providing a link with the ancient past of the [[Ancient Greece|Ancient Greeks]] and the [[Roman Empire]] but also dominating the trade and [[pilgrimage]] routes which were important to western Europeans. In addition, the efforts of the Byzantines stopped (or at least slowed) the advance of [[Islam]], which was regarded as a mortal threat to Christian Europe.
Roman(1)life revolves around the concept of order. This order was expressed through the ceremonies that were used to show the Emperor to the people. Indeed, the same word, ‘taxis’ was used in period to denote both ‘ceremony’ and ‘order’. For the Romans: “terrestrial order was merely the imperfect reflection of celestial order. At its summit was God’s lieutenant, the emperor, whose court mirrored that of heaven” (Cavallo 1997: 2). The emperor may not have been born to the purple. He could have started life as a soldier, an artisan or even a peasant (all occurred). He may have come from an ethnic minority. However, once he was elected(2) to the position he gained all of its prestige. The overwhelming importance of the position can be seen from the common phrase: “The sun acts like the emperor” (McCormick 1997: 230). Like the emperor, the sun oversaw everything, shed its light on all and was far above, and more glorious than, those beneath.


The Crusades were partly caused (and heavily influenced) by Byzantium; in 1096 [[Alexius I]] Comnenus called for help repelling the Turks (who, having captured much of Asia Minor, threatened Constantiople itself and damaged the lucrative overland trade routes. The western Europeans, entranced with the "official" cause for war -- protecting the [[pilgrim]] routes and freeing [[Jerusalem]] responded in immense numbers, triggering the [[First Crusade]].
This ceremonial ordering can best be seen in a court procession. This example is from the tenth century, but it stayed similar right up to the end in 1453. If the emperor had to leave the palace, the road he was taking was repaired, cleaned and sprinkled with sawdust scented with rosewater. The streets would be hung with garlands, sweet-smelling plants and such items as rich textiles and silverware. Merchants who thus both showed their loyalty in glorifying the emperor and also advertised their wares often provided the latter.


[[Byzantine ceremony]] and politics alike were highly cosmopolitan and could often be very subtle and intricate -- hence our modern use of the word "Byzantine" to describe needlessly devious or complicated things. Byzantines were often distrusted by their more straightforward western European cousins because of this.
Along the way staged events would take place. This could include the singing of paeans of praise to the emperor by choruses or individuals. A fountain near where they were located could be filled with wine, almonds and pistachios. Bleachers were built for spectators (including ambassadors) to watch this staged affirmation of power and order. Petitioners would take advantage of this opportunity to circumvent the palace hierarchy by throwing petitions at the emperor’s feet (presumably there was someone to pick them up).
''See also [[Byzantine ceremony]] for details.''
The cortege had a set order. First to appear are the banner bearers and the Cross of Constantine. Next were state functionaries, graded by rank. Strict sumptuary laws governed what they wore so that it was of lesser splendour than the items worn by the emperor(3). Lastly came the Imperial group of the emperor, bodyguards, family and chief eunuchs.


Byzantine power waxed and waned throughout the Medieval period, often as a result of [[crusade]]s (particularly the [[Fourth Crusade]] and was finally wiped out by the fall of [[Constantinople]] in 1453.
Upon arrival at the destination (perhaps a church, or even back to the palace) another set of rituals took place. Among other things this usually included gifts to all officials. This could be up to 10lbs of gold coin and was usually at least 2lbs. Favoured foreigners could also receive gifts of silk(4). Not even the poor were neglected. Money would be set aside to provide food, lodging and even pay taxes for them.


In [[period]], the Byzantines often used a red banner with a white crescent and a six-pointed star as their symbol, contrasted with the traditional green banner and crescent carried by the caliphs of [[Islam]].
Ambassadors would usually be greeted in the throne room, a marvellous place that inspired that in the Wizard of Oz. The emperor was initially seen behind a series of silken screens, which would be pulled aside if the foreign visitor was sufficiently important. As the throne was approached mechanical animals would make the appropriate sounds and organs would play (remember that this is a time when large pipe organs were rare). On reaching the throne it would rise into the air in front of the astounded supplicant.


[[category:places (medieval)]]
All these stage devices were intended to impress the majesty of the emperor on the viewer and to show the order that held the empire together. From the records we have, they worked. Even the Latins and western barbarians, arriving determined to scoff, were invariably impressed. Such groups as the Russ were awed and stunned.

Ceremony and procession are still used today to show the hierarchy of power, even in places like the SCA where we are playacting their appearance. It can easily be shown that, when their use declines, so does respect for the verities that they represent.

1 The term ‘Byzantine’ was made up by modern scholars to give them a shorthand way of talking about the Empire. The actual people of the time talked of the Roman Empire and saw its history as contiguous.
2 Whilst many emperors inherited the job they were, at least theoretically, elected to it by the acclaim of the army. Usually an emperor took great care to ensure the person who succeeded him was the one they wanted by proclaiming him junior co-emperor (and getting this confirmed).(Veyne 1992)
3 SCA people making Byzantine garb should note this. You should never wear an exact copy of Imperial garb. This is a punishable breach of etiquette.
4 Although anyone could buy silk, its export was strictly forbidden without permission. Being given it by the emperor automatically gave one permission to take it out. This was much appreciated, even by Latin ambassadors.
Bibliography
Cavallo, G. (ed) 1997 The Byzantines, London: University of Chicago Press.
McCormick, M. 1997 ‘Emperors’, in G. Cavallo (ed) The Byzantines, London: University of Chicago Press.
Veyne, P. (ed) 1992 From Pagan Rome to Byzantium, Vol. I, Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press.

== A Short (and rough) Guide to Byzantine Names for SCA personae ==
This is a listing of names that may be useful for constructing Byzantine persona. Please note that this is compiled by a non-historian and non-linguist. When errors are detected, please let me know so that I can correct them. Additional material is always welcomed. It is a work in progress and will be added to as I have time to research more books. Some names of barbarians who became citizens are included. Names from “client states’ such as Serbia and Bosnia, as well as adversaries, can be found in “Mongol Names”.
Crwlf
Baron, OP

Current update 24/06/99


Family Names
Male First Names
Female First Names
Castles, Villages, Towns and Cities
Themes, Districts etc
Geographical Features
Imperial Institutions, Offices and Ranks
Possible and Definite Nicknames
Bibliogaphy

=== Family Names ===
The family name ends in ‘us’, ‘as’, ‘os’ or ‘es’ if the person is male and ‘a’ or ‘ina’ if female. Thus Alexius Comnenus’ daughter is Anna Comnena. Sometimes a series of surnames would be put together to show geneology by birth or marriage (eg Theodora Branaina Komnene Laskarina Cantacuzene Palaiologos, BL 4). This was more common in later periods and much more common with females than males. Originally surnames were often taken from an adjective or common word, but could be from a Latin or other barbarian name. When talking of the whole family, in the plural, an ‘oi’ is used, thus Akrtoi or Comnenoi.
Acropolites (BM 246) George, megas logothetes
Adralestos (AC 418) diplomat,
Agapetes (AC 521) John, 12c patriarch,
Akindynos (BL 69) Gregory 14c monk,
Akritas / Acritas ()Basil Digenis - soldier and hero of an epic poem
Akropolites (BL 42) Constantine, scholar 13c,
Alyates (AC 409) general
Amenas (BM 585) Michael
Ampelas (AC 455) 12c general,
Anargyrus (BL 93) Cosmas & Damian saints,
Anemas (AC 382) Michael, 12c rebel,
Angelus (fem Angelina) Isaac II, 1185-1195; Alexius III, 1195-1203, Alexius IV, 1203-1204
Anicia (BM 203) Juliana
Antiochi (AC 382) rebel family,
Apion () country family founded by Theodore John, family records date 488-625
Apokaukos / Apocaucus (BL 86) John (BM 223) Alexius, megas doux
Argyrus (BM 145) Romanus III, 1028-1034
Aristenos (PL 562) Alexios was a jurist and commentator on canon law 9c,
Asen (fem Asenina) (BL 71) Eirene Asenina Cantacuzene, Empress 1347-1354, John III Asen was 13c Tsar of Bulgaria
Asidenus (BM 107) Sabbas, 13c sebastokrator
Aspietes (BM 129) Michael
Attaleiates (PL 584) 11c judge
Atticus (AC 495) grammarian,
Autoreianus (BM 444) Michael, patriarch of Constantinople
Balsamon (PL 562) patriarch of Antioch 9c,
Baradaeus (AC 465) Jacob, 6c Monophysite leader,
Barsymes (BM 243) Peter
Basilacius (BM 585) George
Basilides (BM 630) magister
Bekkos (BL 38) John, 13c patriarch,
Berhoiotes (BM 440) George, megas diermeneutes
Blastares (MoL 193) Michael, 14c legal commentator,
Boilas (PL 572) Eustathius
Botaniates (BM 65) Nicephorus III, 1078-81
Boutoumites (AC 271) soldier of Alexius I,
Branaina (BL 4) Theodora, nun
Branas (BM 48) Akexius, 12c
Briennius / Bryennius () Nicephorus, husband of Anna Comnena
Bringas (BM 137) Michael VI 1056-7
Burtzes (AC 481) Michael, 10c general,
Butumites (BM 56) Manual
Byzantios (BM 160)
Cabasilis (AC 408) Alexander, general
Callinicus (AC 517) 6c inventor of Greek fire,
Caloethus (BM 441) Nicholas, grammatikus
Camaterus (BM 444) John X, patriarch of Constantinople
Camytzes (BM 106) Manual, protostrator 1201
Cantacuzenus (BM 161) John VI, 1347-1354)
Castamonites (AC 382) Nicetas, 12c rebel,
Catacalon (AC 289, PL 608) Cecaumenus
Cephalas (BM 106) family
Cerularius (PL 589) Michael I patriarch of Constantinople 11c,
Chalintzes (AC 357) Nicetas, diplomat
Cheilas (BP 138) Nikephorus, 15c courtier
Choniates (BM 435) Nicetas, doux
Chortasmenos (BP 139) 15c theologian,
Choumnos (fem Choumnaina) (BL 59) Eirene-Eulogia Choumnaina Palaiologina, Princess and Abbess 14c,
Chrysoberges (BP 143) Andrew, 15 c Latin convert,
Chrysokokkes (BP 129) George 15c scholar,
Chrysoloras (BP 139) Manuel 15c theologian,
Cinnamus (BM 38) John, writer
Climacus (PL 623) theologian
Comnenus (BM 137) Isaac I, 1057-1059; Alexius I, 1081-1118 rest of dynasty to 1185
Constantine () Tiberius II, 578-582
Contostephanus (AC 388) Issac
Critopoulo (BM 538) Chostantin
Curcuas (PL 592) John, a 10c general
Cydones (BP 143) Demetrios 15c Latin convert,
Dabatenus (AC 386) dux of Trebizond,
Dalassena (AC 270) thalassocrator under Alexius I, (PL 573) maiden name of Anna, mother of Alexius I
Dandalo (BM 334) Enrico, patriarch of Grado
Daphopates (PL 618) Theodorus, secretary to Romanus I,
Diogenes (BM 124) Romanus IV, 1068-1071
Doukas (fem Doukaina) (BL 11) Helena, Queen of the Two Sicilies 1258-1266, (BL 12) father despot of Epiros
Ducas (fem Ducaena) (BM159) Constantine X, basilicus 1059-1067; Alexius V, basilicus 1204
Eirenikos (BM 444) Theodore II, patriarch of Constantinople
Eroticus (AC 335) Manuel 10c prefect,
Eudocia (BM201) Aelia, augusta, wife of Theodosius II
Eudoxia (BM 201) Licinia, augusta, wife of Valenetinian III
Eugenikos (BP 135) Mark, 15c theologian,
Euphorbenus (AC 271) soldier of Alexius I,
Eustathius (AC 363) Grand Dungarius,
Exazenus (AC 390) Hyaleas, rebel
Ferro (BM230) brothers
Flaccilla (BM 491) Aelia, augusta, first wife of Theodosius I
Gabalas (BM 525) John
Gabras (AC 350) Theodore, general,
Garidas (AC 521) Eustratius, 11c patriarch,
Gemistos (BP 130) 15c scholar,
Genesius (BM 224) Joseph
Gregoras (BL 50) Nikephoros, historian, coined the phrase “Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned”
Harmenopoulos (MoL 241) 14c jurist,
Himerius (PL 599) protospatharios
Holobolos (BL 36) Manuel,
Humbertopoulos (AC 298) general of Alexius I,
Hyrtakenos (BL 56) 14c scholar,
Indicopleustes () Cosmas was a trader and writer of an account of a journey to Malabar in 522
Ingerina (PL 574) Eudocia was mistress to Michael III,
Kabasilas (BL 93) Nicholas,
Kalekas (BL 86) 14c patriarch,
Kalliergis (BL 105) Zacherias was 15c refugee & printer of Greek texts,
Kallistos (BL 78) 14c patriarch,
Kamytzes (AC 408) Eustathius, 12c general,
Kaspax (AC 346) admiral,
Kommene (BL 120) Helena Cantacuzene Kommene, Empress of Trebizond 15c
Kymineianus (AC 304) Drungarius under Alexius I
Kyrdiniates (AC 499) Nicholas, 11c patriarch,
Lagudes (PL 611)
Lampenos (BL 56) Alexios,
Lascaris (fem Laskarina) () Theodore I, basilicus 1204-1222; Theodore II, basilicus 1254-1259; John IV, basilicus 1258-1261
Lebournes (AC 455) George, 12c general,
Lecapenus () Romanus I, basilicus 920-944
Longibardus (AC 495) John, grammarian,
Macrembolitissa () Eudocia, Empress 1067-1068
Macroducas (BM 128) Constantine
Malalas (BP 12) John, historian
Maleinus (PL 568) Eustathius was a magnate under Basil II,
Manautius (BL 105) Aldus was 15c refugee & printer of Greek texts,
Mangaphas (BM 438) Theodore
Maniaces (BM 281) George
Maurocatacalon (BM 267) Gregory
Mauropus (BM 140) John, writer
Maurozomes (BM 128) Theodore
Mavrocatalon (AC 314) Nicolas, admiral
Melissenus (BM 428) Nicephorus
Mesopotamites (BM 431) George, doux
Metochites (BL 42) Theodore was Megas Logothete in 1305
Monasteriotes (BM 587) Leo, krites
Monomachus (BM 137) Constantine IX, basilicus 1042-1055
Moschus () John wrote a Lives of the Saints in the 6c
Mouzalon (BL 34) George, husband of Theodora Raoulina,
Musurus (BL 107) 15c refugee family,
Nazianzen (PL 557) Gregory wrotea collection of sermons 11c,
Nepos (BM 405) Julius
Nicephorus (AC 390) Hyaleas
Nicerite (AC 408) Leo 12c general,
Nicomachi () consular family
Nikerites (BL 105) John 12c mega dux of Cyprus,
Notaras (BL 96) Anna Notaras Palaiologina died 1507,
Opsaras (BM 191) John
Oresme (BM 517) Nicholas, writer
Ouranus (BM 610) Nicephorus, doux
Pachymeres (BM 47) George, writer
Paidianites (BM 584) Anna
Pakourianus / Bakouriani (PL 584) great Georgian immigrant family,
Palaeologus (female Palaeologina) (BM 114) Michael VIII, basilicus 1261-1282
Palamas (BL 68) Gregory, 14c saint,
Panaretos (BL 122) Michael, Trebizond historian,
Panoukomites (AC 370) Nicetas, diplomat,
Pepagomenos (BP 138) Demetrios, 15c courtier,
Petraliphas (BL 15) originally Norman, became noble,, Theodora became wife of the Despot of Epiros
Petzeas (AC 372) 12c general,
Philes (BL 56) court poet 14c
Philanthropenos (BL 46) rebel general 13c,
Philokales / Philocales (AC 362) Eumathios, 12c admiral,
Phocas (BM 104) Nicephorus II, basilicus 963-969)
Placidia (BM 365) Galla
Plakanos (BM 584) Leo
Planoudes (BL 40) Manuel, court poet,
Plocamus (BM 277) Annius, publican
Plousiadenos (BL 99) John, priest,
Procopius (BP 12) historian
Prodromos (BP 104) Theodore 12c poet
Psellus (BM 137) Michael, 12c scholar
Psyllus (AC 397) Basil,
Ptochoprodromos (BP 105) 12c poet,
Pulcheria (BM 365) Aelia, wife of Theodosius III
Pyrrhos (BM 584) Theophanes
Rangabθ () Michael I, basilicus 811-813
Raoul (fem Raoulaina) (BL 33) Theodora was a nun and scholar 13c, the family was originally Norman
Rizocopus (BM 669) John, patrician and exarch
Rshtuni (BM 621) Theodore
Sclerus (PL 556) Bardas, general and rival of Basil II,
Scylitzes (BM 103) John
Servopoulos (BL 99) Frankoulis
Sidonius (BM 247) Apollinaris, writer
Sgouros (BM 437) Leo
Skaliarius (AC 409) Turk convert and general,
Solomon (AC 382) John, senator,
Sophianos (BP 138) Paul, 15c courtier,
Spandounes (BL 104) Matthew, 15c refugee family,
Stethatus (PL 612) 11c,
Strategopoulos (BL 18) Alexios, general 13c
Stypiotes (AC 474) Michael, soldier,
Symmachus (BM 248) consular family
Tarchaniotes (AC 299) gen under Alexius I,
Taronites (BM 431) John, sebatos
Tarsites (BL 105) John, 12c scholar,
Tornikes (PL 627) George, 12c priest
Tornices (BM 137) Leo
Tzamblakon (BM 212) Demetrius, megas stratopedarkhes
Tzetzes (BM 507) John, writer
Tzimisces (BM 104) John I, basilicus 969-976
Tzintzloukes (AC 353) Andronicus, general,
Tzipoureles (AC 455) 12c general,
Tzourillas (PL 639) John, Bogomile preacher
Vatatzes (BM 129) John III, basilicus 1222-1254
Verinus / Verina (BM 491) Aelia wife of Leo I
Vlastos (BL 107) 15c refugee family
Xanthopoulus (BM 444) Nicephorus Callistus (locative?), writer
Xerus (BM 585) Bardas
Xylokarabes (BL 117) Mark, 15c contender for patriarch
Zautzes (BM 302) Stylianus
Zonaras (PL 562) John was a jurist and commentator on canon law, c9,

=== Male First Names ===
Abramius (BP 2)
Achmet (PL 564) author
Adrian () son-in-law Constantine X
Aemilianus (BM 581) patriarch of Antioch
Alakaseus (AC 303) spy of Alexius I,
Alexander (BM 197) emperor 912-913
Alexandros (PL 571) Metropolitan of Nicea
Alexius / Alexios (BM 6) several, first is 1081-1118
Ammonathas (BP 8) monophystite priest
Ammonios (BM 347) komes
Amyntas (BM 54) of Galatia
Anastasius (BP 13) several, first is 491-518
Andronicus / Andronikos (BM 88) several, first is 1183-1185
Annius (BM 277) Plocamus
Anthemius (BM 219) architect of Constantinople for Justinian I, () another is Prefect of the East under Constantine I
Apasios (BP 92)
Apion (BM 464)
Appollos (BM 347) hypodektes of Ammonios
Apocauchus () High Admiral in 1346
Areobindus () Consul in 506
Arcadius (BM 17) Emperor 395-408
Archelus (BM 389)
Arintheus (BM 366)
Armatus (BM243)
Arsenios (BL 33) patriarch 13c,
Artemios (tb 27) saint,
Artavasdus () 741-743
Athanasios (BL 2) patriarch 14c,
Asticus (BM 461)
Autoreianas (BL 41)
Bacchus / Bakchos (MoL 145) saint, married to St Serge
Bardas (PL556) founder of Magnaura University, another a rival of Basil II,
Basil (BM 196) several, first is 867-886
Basilicus (BM 398) 475-476
Belisarius (BM 165) general under Justinian
Bessarion (BP 128) religious name of 15c cleric who became a Latin Cardinal,
Caecilianus (BM 331)
Callinicus (BM 410) patricus
Calliparius (BM 430) krites kai exisotes
Candidus (BM 261) bishop of Sergiopolis
Carausius (BM 378)
Catacalon (BM 581) Tarchaneiotes
Cecaumenus (PL 608) aristocrat 11c,
Chostantin (BM 538) Critopoulo
Christodoulos () first Abbot of St John at Patmos 11c
Comentiolus (BM 415) brother of Phocas
Constans (BM 222) 641-668
Constantine (BM 280) 668-85
Cosmas (BM 656) general, also trader and writer of an account of a journey to Malabar in 522, also patriarch under Alexius I, name also used by Bulgars
Curticius (AC 382) Basilacius, 12c rebel,
Cyril / Cyrillus () Saint and missionary
Dabatenus (BM 438) doux
Damian (BL 93) saint
Daniel (BM 112) abbot
David () Emperor of Trebizond 1458-1461)
Demetrius / Demetrios (BL 49) saint, patron of Thessalonika
Dionysios (BL 117) 15c bishop of Philippopolis,
Domnus (BM 377) magister
Dositheos (BP 129) 15c metropolitan,
Elias (AC 314)
Enrico (BM 334) Dandalo, patriarch of Grado
Epiphanius (BM 268) protospatharios
Eudaemon (BM 316)
Eufasius (BM 329)
Eumathius / Eumathios (AC 353) , dux of Cyprus,
Eustathius (AC 304) Drungarius under Alexius I, (PL 561) a judge early 11c,
Eustratius (AC 521) Garidas, 11c patriarch,
Euthymius (PL 562) monk 11c,
Evaristus (PL 569) monk,
Falkon (PL 602)
Felicianus (BM 380)
Festus (BM 490) caput senatus
Frankoulis (BL 99) Servopoulos,
Genesios (PL 602) son of Falkon,
Gennadios (BL 9) Scholarios, patriarch 15c under Ottomans,
George () Emperor of Trebizond 1266-1280
Gregorios (PL 584) domestikos
Gregory () nephew Alexius I
Habib (BP 8) monophystite monk
Heraclius (BM 17) Emperor 610-641
Heraclonas (BM 625) Emperor 641
Hilarion (BP 5) saint
Hyaleas (AC 382) Exzenius, rebel,
Hypatius (BP 18), (tb 24) also bishop of Ephesus
Iasitas () brother-in-law John II
Isaac (BM 137) several, first is 1057-1059
Isidore (BP 139) 15c heiromonk,
Jacob (BM 317)
Joasaph (BL 78) monastic name of e John VI Cantacuzene
John (BM 656) diakonos
Joshua (BM 174) the Stylite
Justin (BM 177) several, first is 518-527
Justinian (BM 7) several, first is 527-565
Kalamodios (BM 245) 12c money lender
Karas (AC 409) soldier,
Katarodon (AC 454) 12c soldier,
Kostas (PL 572) nephew of a Gemma, 11c,
Koulean (AC 467) 12c Manichean preacher,
Kousinos (AC 467) 12c Manichean preacher
Ktenas (BM 186) protospathios
Leo (BM 175) several, first is 457-474
Leonard (BM 545) of Chios, writer
Leontius (BM 421) Emperor 695-698, also 6-7c bishop of Neopolis
Libanius (BM 59)
Limenius (BM 388)
Longinius (BM 194)
Loukas (BL 96) 15c noble, first “national martyr”of Greece,
Lydas (BP 12) John, writer
Lysas (BM 277) freedman of Annius Plocamus
Macarius (BP 2) saint
Macedonius (BM 190) patriarch of Constantinople
Magnentius (BM 233)
Manuel (BM 55) several, first is 1143-1180)
Marcellinus (BP 17)
Mare (BP 8) monophystite monk
Mark (BL 117) Xylokarabes 15c contender for patriarch,
Marcian () 450-457)
Marianus (AC 302) Mavrocatacalon
Maro (BP 1) monophystite saint
Matthew () 1353-1357)
Maurice () 582-602)
Maximian () Bishop under Justinian
Maximos (BL 40) Planoudes, court poet
Melania (BM 202) the Younger
Melitas (BL 43) scribe of patriarch Gregory II,
Methodius () Saint and missionary
Mezezius (BM 421)
Michael (BM 197) several, first is 811-813
Moagaritos (BM 361)
Modestos (BM 472)
Mossele (PL 583) Armenian, founded a monastery,
Narses (BM 332)
Nathaniel (BL 65) monastic name of Nicephoros Choumnas
Neboulus (BM 631)
Neon (BM 298) archon
Neophytos (BP 93) 12c monk,
Nicephorus / Nikephoros () husband of Anna Comnena
Nicetas (PL 612)
Nicholas (AC 294) patriarch under Alexius I,
Nikephoros (BL 50) Gregoras, historian
Olympiodorus (BM 192) of Thebes, writer
Pachomius (BP 2) saint
Palladius (BP 6) chronicler
Pamphronius (BM 407) patrikios
Panterius () soldier, helped repel Kievian Rus in 941
Parasceviotes (AC 499) jailer,
Paul (BP 138) Sophianos, 15c courtier,
Peter (BM 243) Barsymes
Petros (PL 572) nephew of a Gemma, 11c,
Philaretus / Philaretos (BM 419) Patriarch 8c
Philippicus () 711-715
Philoromus (BP 8) monk
Philotheos (BL 2) patriarch 14c,
Phocas () 602-610)
Pholos (AC 467) 12c Manichean preacher,
Photius () 10c patriarch and scholar
Poemon (BP 6) ropemaker and saint
Probus (BM 202) senator
Psellus (PL 603) author,
Psidias () 7c poet
Romanus () several, first is 920-944
Sabas (BP 5) saint
Sabbas (BM 107) Asidenus, 13c sebastokrator
Sergius / Serge (BP 3 / MoL 145)
Silvanus (BP 6) saint
Simeon (PL 583) Stephanos’ name as a monk,
Sissinius (PL 595) patriarch? 10c,
Sophronius (BP 39) 7c patriarch of Jerusalem,
Sphrantzes (BL 96) George, historian,
Stauracius () 811
Stephanos (PL 583) eunuch and admiral, later monk.
Strategius () member of the Apion family
Stylianus (AC 495) fem is Styliane
Symeon (BL 117) of Trebizond, 15c contender for patriarch,
Syncletia (BP 2)
Tarasios (tb 26) 8c patriarch,
Taticus (AC 343)
Theodore (BM 118) several, first is 1204-1222
Theodoret (BP 5) hagiographer
Theodosius (BM 224) 408-450
Theoleptos (BL 61) 13c bishop of Philadelphia
Theopemptus (BM 658) logothete
Theophanes (BL 44) 9c saint
Theophano (BM 270) nephew of John I
Theophilus (BM 198) 829-867, iconoclast
Theophylact (BL 46) 11c archbishop,
Theophylactos (tb 26) 8c bishop,
Tiberius (BM 175) several, II is 578-582
Victor (BM 317)
Vitus (BM 245)
Z’ura (BP 7) monophystite monk
Zachariah (BM 177) of Mitylene, writer
Zacharias (BL 105) Kalliergis was 15c refugee & printer of Greek texts,
Zeno (BM 200) 474-476
Zygobenus (AC 500) monk,


=== Female First Names ===
Note that female names are much harder to document than male. There was a tendency for women to recorded as “wife of”, “mother of”, and even “widow of” unless they were very prominent in their own right.
Aelia (BM201) Eudocia, augusta, wife of Theodosius II
Anastasia (BL 93) name taken as nun by Anna of Savoy,
Anna () of Savoy, originally Giovanna, wife of Andronicus III
Ariadne () wife of Anastasius I
Danelis (PL 574, MoL 235)
Eirene (BL 48) Palaiologina, formerly Yolanda of Montferrat, Empress 1288/9-1317,
Eudocia () wife of Constantine X
Eugenia (BL 34) neice of Michael VIII,
Eudokia / Eudocia (BL 51) sister of Andronikos II,
Eulogia (BL 59) abbess & basilissa 14c, said “Virtue comes more easily in well-appointed surroundings”
Euphrosyne (BL 97) daughter of Loukas Notaras,
Flacilla () wife of Theodosius
Galla (BM 365) Placidia
Gemma (PL 569) widow in Italy
Glyceria (PL 583) poor widow,
Helena () mother of Constantine I
Irene (BM 80) 780-792
Juliana (BM 203) Anicia
Kale (PL 600) means Beauty, mother of Saint Thomaοs,
Licinia (BM 201) Eudoxia, augusta, wife of Valentinian III
Loukia (PL 602) 11c,
Macrina (tb 19) sister of Gregory of Nyassa,
Maria (BL 110) wife of Michael VII, in Serbian, Mara,
Martino () wife of Heraclius
Metrodora (PL 618) author of a medical book for women,
Olympias (tb 19) follower of John Crysostom,
Procopia (BM 197) wife of Michael I
Scleraina (PL 576) famous lover of Constantine IX,
Simonis (BL 5) daughter of Andronikos II,
Sophia () Russian name for Zoe, neice of the last Emperor, caused her husband to take the title Tsar and adopt the late Byzantine eagle. Grandmother to Ivan IV the Terrible
Styliane (AC 495) feminine of Stylianus,
Thamar / Ithamar (BL 24) daughter of Despot of Epiros, Princess of Taranto 1294-1309,
Thecla (MoL 239) the Augusta, mistess of Basil I,
Theoctiste (PL 631)
Theodora () regent 1055-1056)
Theodule (BL 4) name chosen as a nun by a Theodora
Theophanu / Theophano () wife of Romanus II
Thomaοs (PL 572) Saint,
Verina (BP 18) 7c Empress
Zampea (BL 84) originally Isabella, lady-in-waiting to Anna of Savoy,
Zoλ (BM 226) regent 1028-50)

=== Castles, Villages, Towns and Cities ===
A place name could be used as a surname, thus John Damascene is also John of Damascus
Abydos (AC 437) town,
Achaia (BM 57)
Achyraus (BM 110) = Balıkesir
Acroenum (BM 124) = Afyonkarahisar
Adana (AC 365) town in Cilicia,
Adramyttium (AC 437) city in Samos, = Demetrias = Edemrit
Adrianopolis (M 9) city in Macedonia/ Pisidia, = Adaras
Adrianopolis (BL 73) city in Thrace = Edirne
Adramyttion (BL 39) on the coast of Asia Minor,
Aenus (BM 79) = (Enos)
Agathonike (AC 306) village near Adriatic
Aigialoi (AC 453) port,
Akrokos (AC 455) village near Nicea,
Akronion (AC 487) town in Iconium,
Aleppo (M 9) city in Mesopotamia, = Halep
Alethina (AC 455) village near Nicea,
Alexandretta (BM 415) = Iskenderun
Alexandria (BM 174) city in Egypt
Alexiopolis / Neocastron (AC 468) , city build for converts from Manicheanism,
Amasia (M 9) city in Armeniac = Amasya
Amastris (AC 446) town in Paphlagonia,
Amida (BP 16) city
Amira (AC 431) town in Lapara,
Amisus / Aminsos (BM 49) = Samsun
Amnia (BM 209)
Amorium (M 9) city in Anatolic = άmraniye
Amphipolis (BM 79)
Ampous / Ampoun (AC 487) town in Iconium = Ambanaz
Anabarza (AC 431) city in Cilicia,
Anaea / Ania (BM 49) = Kadi Kalesi
Anazarbus (BM 104)
Anchialos (BP 106, AC 305) town in Thrace = Ankhialo
Ancyra / Ankara, (BP 16) city in Bukellarian,
Andros (BM 601)
Anemurium (BM 112) = Anamur
Ani (BM 212)
Antaeopolis (BM 354)
Antioch (M 9) city in Mesopotamia = Antakya
Antioch (BM 117) city on the Meaender River = Karapınar
Antioch (BM 110) city in Isauria
Antioch (BM 54) city in Pisidia = Yalvaη
Antaras (AC 354) town
Anydroi Pirogoi (BM 140)
Apamea (BP 16) city in Syria
Aphrodisias / Stauropolis (BM 122) = Geyre
Aphrodito (BM 347)
Apollinopolis Magna (BM 349)
Apollonos Ano (BM 350)
Apros / Aprus (AC 326) town
Aramisos (AC 431) castle in Lapara,
Arcadiopolis / Vorgoles / Bergula (BM 81) = Lόleburgaz
Argos (BM 79)
Argyrocatron (AC 365) port in Cilicia,
Arsamosata (M 9) city in Mesopotamia,
Artach (AC 430) town in Koele-Syria,
Ason (AC 316) town
Athens (M 9) city in Hellas,
Athyra (AC 319) town
Arta (BL 12) city in Epiros,
Artach (BM 104)
Aspona (BM 73)
Astipalia (BM 53)
Astytzium (BM 433) possibly = Kızkulesi
Athens (BM 57)
Athos (BM 210) monastery on Iberon
Athos (BM 201) monastery on Lavra
Atroa (PL 611)
Attalia / Satellia / Setalia (M 9) port-city in Cibyrrhaeot = Antalya
Attica (BM 85)
Augustopolis (AC 487) town in Iconium = Sόlmenli
Aureus Mons (BM 73) city on the Danube
Avlona (AC 310) Dalmatian town
Bacchenus (AC 386) village,
Backovo / Batzokova (PL 584) now in Bulgaria = Bachkovo
Balabista (AC 379) town,
Bari (M 9) city in Longibardia,
Bassianae (BM 73)
Belgrada (BM 37) = Belgrade / Beograd
Berrhoe / Berra (BM 80) = Stara Zagora
Berrhoea (BM 260) in Syria
Beyrout / Berytus (M 8) town in Mesopotamia = Beirut
Beroa (AC 431) = Chalep, city in Cilicia,
Bizye (BM 79) = Vize
Blachernae () Monastery of Constantinople and home of famous icon
Bosporous (BM 50) town in Crimea
Bouleuteria (PL 580)
Brundusium / Brandiez (BM 37) = Braničevo
Buzaea (BP 3) village
Boόsa (AC 315) Dalmatian town
Brusa (M 9) city in Opsikion,
Brysis / Urisio (BM 81)
Byzacena (BM289)
Caballa (BM 126) probably = Gevele Dağ
Caesarea (M 9) city in Charsianon = Kayseri
Caffa / Chafa (BM 46) = Feodosiya
Calamus (BM 108)
Calaonorus / Coracaesium (BM 50) = Alanya
Camacha (BM 609)
Campania (BM 376)
Candelloro / Celenderis (BM 50) = Gilindire
Canina (AC 408) town,
Caria (BM 57)
Carthage (BM 289)
Cassandrea (BM 88)
Castamenon (BM 40) = Kastamonu
Castoria (BM 35)
Catania (BM 407)
Cataonia (BM 62)
Cavusin (PL 571)
Cedrea (BM 123) = Bayat
Celaenae / Apamea (BM 127) = Dinar
Ceos (BM 660)
Chalcedon (BP 7) = Kadikφy
Chalcis (BM 261) in Syria
Charax (BM 55) probably = Ηardak
Charsianon (PL 583) suburb of Constantinople
Chele (AC 307) village in Bithynia,
Cherson / Kherson, (M 9) city & theme on north shore of Black Sea,
Chiarenza / Glarentsa (BM 534) = Killini
Chimara (AC 315) Dalmatian town
Chios (BM 51)
Chirovachi (AC 396) town in Dalmatia,
Chliara (AC 437) city = Soma / Kirkağaη
Choma / Angelocastrum (AC 348) town = Homa
Chonae / Collossae (BM 55) = Honaz
Chonios (AC 431) castle in Lapara,
Christoupolis (BM 212)
Chrysopolis (BM 658) in Bythnia = άskόdar
Cibotos (BM 40)
Cius (BM 622)
Claudiopolis (BM 112) = Bolu
Coloneia / Archelais (AC 387) fortified town = Aksaray
Colonia (BM 624) near Nicopolis = Şebinkarahisar
Constantinople (BM 656) city in Thrace, known as Miklagard to the Rus, often referred to in writing as New Rome
Corinth (BM 50)
Corone (BM 52)
Corycus (BM 245)
Cotyaeum (BM 112) = Kόtahya
Cratia (BM 112) = Gerede
Cyprus / Constantia (BM 415) town on Cyprus = Salamis
Cypsella (BM 81)
Cyrrhus (BM 623)
Cyzicus (BP 16) city near Nicea,
Dadybra (BM 112) = Iskilip
Damascus (M 9) city in Mesopotamia = Dimashk
Damatrys (BM 133)
Daonium (BM 83)
Daphni, () town and monastery in Greece
Dara (BM 261)
Decervion (BM 44) probably = Celbianum
Dekanos / Dekatera (AC 395) town in Dalmatia,
Dekapolis (MoL 239) town,
Demetrias (BM 83)
Demotika (AC 9) city in Macedonia,
Deure (AC 408) town in Dalmatia,
Develtus (BM 82) = Bourgas
Diabolos (AC 404) town in Dalmatia,
Doux (AC 430) town in Koele-Syria,
Dorylaeum (M 9) city in Opsikion = Eskişehir
Drama (BL 53) town in Eastern Macedonia,estate of Eirene Palaiologina,
Drizupara (BM 81)
Didymoteichon (BL 72) town in Thrace = Dimetoka
Docea (BM 557) = Tokat
Durazzo (M 8) city in Dyrrachium,
Dryinopolis / Andronopolis (BM 35) = Argyrokastro
Dyrrachium / Epidamnos, AC 310, Dalmatian town in theme of same name, M 9) = Dόrres
Edessa (BM 79) in Macedonia
Edessa (M 9) city on River Skirtos in Mesopotamia = Urfa
Eilisson (BM 281)
Elatea (BM 450)
Emesa (M 9) city in Mesopotamia,
Empythium (BM 208)
Ephesus / Altaluogo / Hagios Theologos (M 9) city in Samos = Selηuk
Epibati (BL 79) town on the Bosporos,
Eriza (BM 108) = Dere Kφy
Euboia / Negroponte (BM 51) = Evvoia
Euchaita (BM 123) = Avkat / Mecitφzό
Ezerum (BM 83)
Faustinopolis (BM 73)
Finica (BM 112) = Finike
Gabala (AC 365) port in Cilicia
Gaοta (BM 126) = Akait
Galata (BL 76) town across the Golden Horn from Constantinople
Gangra (BM 40) = Ηankırı
Ganus (BM 274) = Ganos / Gazikφy
Gaza (BM 201)
Geranion (AC 395) town in Dalmatia,
Germaniceia / Germanicea (AC 430) town in Koele-Syria = Maraş
Glabinitza (AC 409) town in Dalmatia,
Gφreme (PL 640) in Cappadocia, convent only?
Graecia (BM 38) in Romania
Graos Gala (BM 130)
Halmyros / Armiro (BM 52) = Almiros
Hebraike / Heraclea (AC 342) town
Helenopolis (BM 63) = Yalova
Helenopontus (BM 98)
Heleopolis (AC 312) town
Heraclea (M 9) city in Bukellarian,
Heraclea (BM 118) Pontic = Ereğli
Heracleopolis (BM 354)
Hexamilium (BM 631) = Evreşe
Hierapolis (BM 42) city in Phrygia = Pamukkale
Hierapolis (M 9) city in Syria
Hiericho (AC 408) town
Hierissus (BM 86)
Honorias (BM 98)
Iantium (BM 385) = Meaux
Iconium (M 9) city in Anatolic = Konya
Ionia (BM 48)
Ioannina (BL 12) city in Epiros,
Isaura (BM 416)
Isauria (BM 57)
Isinda (BM 108) = Korkuteli
Iuliopolis (BM 73)
Iviropoulos (BP 94)
Jerusalem (BM 201)
Justinianopolis (BP 16) city
Kallioupolis (BL 71) = Gelibolu now known as Gallipoli, port in Thrace,
Kabalion (AC 315) Dalmatian town
Kaltzierin (AC 431) castle in Lapara
Kars (BM 212)
Kato Hexapolis (BM 624)
Kauka (AC 430) castle in Koele-Syria,
Kedros / Kedrea, (AC 480) town,
Kelbianos (AC 438) city
Khimara (BM 35)
Khoirobakkhoi / Cherevach (BM 65)
Kibotos (AC 453/ AC 333) province and town
Koiloi (AC 445) port in Asia,
Kokkinobaphos (PL 577)
Kommermoeri (AC 431) town,
Kosinitza (BL 117) town in Thrace,
Kotoiraekia (AC 472) town near Nicea,
Krisis / Krisei (BL 40) suburb of Constaninople,
Laodicea (AC 348) town in Mesopotamia
Lacerium (BM 42) = Dazkırı / Baklan Ovası (no dots)
Laconia (BM 57)
Lagbe (BM 108)
Lampe (AC 348) town
Lampascus (BM 74) = Lapseki
Laodicea (BM 42) = Ladik / Denizli
Larada (BM 43) = Karaman
Larissa / Sezer, (AC 319) town in Koele-Syria
Larissa (M 9) city in Hellas,
Latros (PL 617)
Lavra (PL 580)
Lazica (BM 50) near Trebizond
Lembos (BM 49) monastery
Leros (BM 53)
Leucate (BM 589)
Leukia (AC 479) town near Nicea,
Lifetti (BM 46) probably = Yevpatoriya
Limnae (BM 143) = Hoyran / Eğridir Gφlό
Limnia (BM 116)
Lipso (BM 53)
Longinias (AC 365) town in Cilicia,
Lopadion / Lopadium / Lupar (AC 453) town near Nicea = Uluabat
Loulou (AC 430) castle in Koele-Syria
Lycaonia (BM 54)
Lykandos (BM 55)
Macre (BM 83) in Lycia = Fethiye
Macre (BM 83) in Thrace
Madytos (AC 445) port in Asia,
Magnesia (BM 118) = Manisa
Maina (BM 52)
Malvagia (BM 51) = Monemvasia
Mamistra (AC 365) town in Cilicia
Mandraklou (BM 68)
Manzikert () village
Marash (AC 360) town in Cilicia,
Marchapin (AC 365) port in Cilicia
Marcianopolis (BM 389)
Maresch (BM 42) = Araη (?)
Margus (BM 73)
Marycatus (BM 622) near Miletopolis
Mastura / Mastaura (PL 561) town on the Meander River = Nazilli
Mavrocastro / Maocastro (BM 46) = Akkerman = Cetatea
Mazamia (BM 143)
Medicion (PL 605)
Mekran (AC 431) village
Melitene (BM 239) = Malatya
Mesampeloi (AC 336) town
Mesanacta (BM 124) = Ortakφy
Mesembria (M 8) town in Thrace = Nessebur
Mesanakta (AC 483) town in Iconium,
Methone (BP 130) Pelopennesian port,
Miletus / Palatia / Balat (BM 49) = Milet
Mistra (BL 15) city in Lacodemia, silk production
Mnizus (BM 99)
Moesia (BM 57)
Moesia Secunda (BM 404)
Mopses (AC 365) town in Cilicia,
Mopsuestiae (AC 431) city in Cilicia,
Mt Mauros (AC 430) town in Koele-Syria
Mosynopolis (BM 83) = Messoune
Mylasa-Melanudium (BM 122) = Milas-Bafa
Mylos (AC 397) town in Dalmatia
Myra (BM 112)
Myriokephalon (BP 110) = Tzybritze / Tzibrelitzemani / Cybrilcymani
Nacolia (BM 140) = Seyitgazi
Naissus / Nit (BM 37) = Niš
Narbo (BM 246) = Narbonne
Naupaktos (BL 27) harbour in Epirus, known as Lepanto to the Latins
Naxos (BM 53)
Neocaesarea (BM 40) = Niksar
Neopatras (BM 83)
Neopolis (tb 24) city in Cyprus,
Neoutzikon (BM 432)
Nicea / Nicaea (M 9) city in Opsikion = Iznik
Nicea / Nicaea (BM 81) in Thrace
Nicodemia (AC 307) town = Izmit
Nicopolis (BM 80)
Nikiu (BP 34)
Nymphaeon (AC 438) city = Nif / Kemalpaşa
Ochrida / Achrida / Lucretia (BM 36) = Okhrid
Oenaeum (BM 133) = άnye
Olympia (BM 64)
Optatianae (BM 622) near Nicomedia
Opus (AC 323) town
Orcistus (BM 140) = Alikel
Oreus (BM 80)
Oxyrhynchus (BM 347)
Paipert (AC 350) town
Pales (AC 314)
Pamphylia (BM 57)
Panasium (BM 130) = Banaz Ovası
Panephysis (BP 2)
Panium (BM 79)
Panopolis (BM 459)
Parnassus (BM 99)
Paros (PL 631) town
Patara (BM 112)
Patmos (BM 53) monastery of St John
Patras (BL 15) city in Peloponnesus
Paurae (BM 42) = Bafra
Pegae (BM 108) probably = Biga
Pegasios (AC 324) town
Pelekanum (AC 325) area
Pelagonia (BL 17) Macedonian town = Monastir
Pergamon / Pergamum, AC 438) city in Samos = Bergama
Peristera (BM 88)
Peritheorium (BM 83)
Pessinus (BM 622)
Petrola (AC 397) town in Dalmatia,
Pharsalus (M 9) city in Hellas,
Pherae (BM 89) monastery of Theotokos Kosmosotira
Pherme (BP 2)
Phersia (AC 430) town in Koele-Syria,
Philadelphia (BL 61) = Alaşehir
Philea (PL 568) town on Black Sea,
Philippi (BM 36)
Philippopolis (BL 117) town & bishopric in Macedonia = Plovdiv
Philita (BM 114)
Philomelion / Philomelium (AC 348) town = Akşehir
Phocaea / Focie (BM 49) = Eski / Yeni Foηa
Pisidia (BP 35)
Pithecas (BM 12)
Plastra (AC 431) town in Lapara,
Pliska (BM 280)
Podandus (BM 104)
Poemanenon (AC 453) town,
Polybotos (AC 348) town = Bolvadın
Pontus (BM 50)
Pora (BM 83)
Porthmus (BM 80)
Poutze (AC 303) stronghold
Pracana (BM 125) probably Alakapı
Priene / Sampson (BM 61) = Samsun
Prilep (BM 219)
Prusa (AC 453) town near Nicea = Bursa
Prusias (BM 118) = Dόzce
Ptelion (BM 51)
Pylae (BM 49)
Raetia Secunda (BM 384)
Ragusa (M 8) town in Dalmatia,
Ras (BM 525)
Reake (BP 5) village
Reggio (M 8) town in Calabria
Rhaedestus / Registo / Rudistio / Rodisto (BM 46) = Tekirdağ
Rodosto (M 8) port in Thrace,
Romaοna (AC 431) town in Lapara
Rousia / Rusa (BM 35) probably Keşan
Sagaudaous (AC 474) village near Nicodemia,
Salamis (M 9) town in Cyprus
Salona (BM 57) = Split
Samnium (BM 558)
Samos (BM 53)
Samosata (M 8) town in Mesopotamia,
Santabaris (AC, 480) town = Bardakηi
Sarai / al-Sara / Sarra (BM 548)
Sarbanos (AC 431) castle in Lapara,
Sardes (AC 348) city in Thracesian
Sardis (BM 122) = Sart
Sarsapin (AC 431) town
Sasima (BM 99) = Gφlcuk-Haskφy
Savaria (BM 384) = Szombathely
Savia (BM 384)
Scodra (BM 37) = Shkφder
Scopia / Nerezi (BM 89)
Sebasteia / Sebastea, city (BP 16) in Sebastea theme = Sivas
Sebastopolis (BM 631)
Selucia / Isauriae (M 9) city in Cilicia = Silifke
Selymbria (BM 52) = Silivri
Serdica / Hesternit / Straliz (BM 37) = Sofia
Sergiopolis (BM 261)
Serres / Serra (BM 35)
Sestus (BM 478)
Sgenin (AC 431) city in Cilicia, castle in Lapara,
Side (BM 317) = Selimiye / Eski Antalya
Sidera (BM 83) in Thrace
Singidunum (BM 73)
Sinianda (BM 149) possibly = Kızılviran
Sinope (BM 42) = Sinop
Sinopoli / Sozopolis / Sinope (BM 46) in Thrace
Sirmium (BM 73) = Sremska Mitrovica
Sirogellis (BM 81)
Sis (M 9) town in Cilicia = Kozan
Siscia (BM 378) = Sisak
Smolena (BM 88)
Smyrna (AC 438) city in Samos = Izmir
Solkhat / Sorghati (BM 549) Staraya Krim
Soudi (AC 343)
Souetios (AC 430) town in Koele-Syria,
Sozopolis (AC 384) town ?
Sozopolis (BM 42) in Pisidia probably = Uluborlu
Sozopolis (BM 47) in Thrace = Sozopol
Sparta / Lacedemonia (BM 52) = Sparti
Stadia (BM 122) = Datηa
Sthlabotilin (AC 431) castle in Lapara,
Sthlanitza (town, AC 374)
Stobi (BM 79)
Strumitsa (BM 88) monastery of Theotokos Eleousa
Studion (PL 569) or Studium (MoL 241)
Sugdaia / Saldadia (BM 549) = Sudak
Sura (BM 261)
Syhe (C 363) port in Cilicia,
Sykeon (BP 1) city in Mesopotamia,
Synnada (BM 123) = Şuhut
Syracuse (M 8) town in Calabria
Tadmor (M 9)
Taik (BM 212)
Tana (BM 547)
Tantalus (BM 126) probably = Dandal
Tarsus (BP 16) city
Tebenna (AC 386) village,
Telchampson (AC 431) castle in Lapara,
Telouch (AC 430) town in Koele-Syria
Tentyra (BM 459)
Thebes / Stiva (BM 51)
Themisonium (BM 108)
Theodosiopolis (BM 212) = Erzurum
Theotokos Petritzonitissa (BM 89) monastery at Batzokova
Thessalonika (M 9) city in the theme of Thessalonika,
Thyateira (BM 108)
Ticium (BM 378) = pAVIA
Timoros (AC 412) town in Dalmatia,
Trajanopolis (BM 88)
Tralles (BM 129) = Aydın
Trapezus (AC 386) town,
Trebizond / Trapezus / Tribusonda (M 9) city in Chaldea = Trabzon
Triglia (BM 51) probably = Tirilya
Trikkala (BM 83)
Tripolis (BM 118) in Lydia
Tripolis (BM 56) in Syria = Tarabulus
Tripoliania (BM 289)
Troezen (BM 80)
Troy (BM 62) = Truva
Tyana (BM 73) = Niğde
Tyre (BM 627)
Tzurullum (BM 81) = Ηorlu
Tzybritze / Tzbrelitzzemani / Cybrilcymani (BM 126) = Ηivrilηimeni
Tzykanisterin (AC 510)
Usuze (BM 79)
Varna (BM 46)
Vatopedi (Athonite monastery, PL 579)
Venetia / Venice (M 8) provincial town
Vicina / Vezina (BM 46) Păcuiul lui Soare ?
Viminacium (BM 73)
Vinnensis (BM 289) town and diocese
Vonitza (castle in Epiros BL 27)
Xanthia (BM 83)
Xerigordos (town AC 312)
Xerolophos (hill and area in Constantinople, BL 63)
Zagora / Zaorra (BM 46)
Zapetra (city in Lykandos, M 9)
Zara (town in Dalmatia, M 8)
Zetunium (BM 37)
=== Themes, Districts etc ===
Aegean (M 9) = Insulae, 10c theme,
Aegyptos (BM 170) diocese
Aetos (theme, AC 431)
Africa (BM 167) diocese (BM 165) prefecture or exarchate, (BM 289) proconsularis
Aigaion Pelagos (BM 651) theme
Akrilevo (AC 306) district in Balkans
Anatolic (M 9) 10c theme in Asia,
Antares (AC 431) military district in Cilicia,
Antartes (AC 431) military district in Cilicia,
Arabia (BM 178) province
Armenia (M 9) 10c theme in Asia, sometimes divided into Armenia Prima, Secunda, Tertia
Asia (BM 57), theme
Balaneus (AC 431) military district in Cilicia,
Bithynia (AC 307) province
Borze (AC 430) military district,
Bukellarian (M 9) 10c theme in Asia,
Bulgaria (BM 35) theme and kingdom
Calabria (M 9) 10c theme in Italy,
Cappadocia (M 9) 10c theme in Asia, sometimes Cappadocia Prima and Secunda.
Carthagena (BM 405) Spain
Casiotis (AC 431) theme in Cilicia,
Cephallenia (M 9) 10c theme in Europe,
Chaldea (M 9) 10c theme in Asia,
Charsianon (M 9) 10c theme in Asia,
Cherson (M 9) 10c theme in Crimea,
Cibyrrhaeot (M 9) 10c theme in Asia,
Cilicia /Seleucia / Kilikia (AC 358, M 9) theme in Asia,
Colonea (M 9) 10c theme in Asia,
Cyclades (BM 559) islands and apotheke
Cyprus / Cipri (M 9) 10c theme,
Dacia (BM 168) diocese
Dyrrhachium / Dyrrhakion (M 9) 10c theme in Europe,
East (BM 168) prefecture
Epiros (Greek Despotate)
Gabala (AC 431) military district in Cilicia,
Galatia (BM 54) sometimes Galatia Prima and Secunda
Galliae (BM 289) diocese
Halys (BM 609) river = Kızıhrmak
Hellas (M 9) theme in Europe,
Hellaspontus (BM 57) apotheke
Iconium (AC 487) province,
Illyricum (AC 379) province / prefecture,
Indus (BM 122) river in Dalaman
Italia (BM 167) prefecture
Kappadokia (BM 100) theme
Kathismatin (AC 431) district,
Khaldia (BM 184) theme
Kharsianon (BM 103) theme
Kibotos (AC 453/ AC 333) province and town
Kibyrrhaioton (BM 58) theme
Kilikia (BM103) see Cilicia
Koloneia (BM 184) theme
Koele-Syria (AC 430) province,
Lapara (AC 431) theme,
Limnii (AC 431) theme,
Longbardia (M 9) 10c theme in Italy,
Lybia Inferior (BM 179) district
Lybia Superior (BM 180) district
Lydia (BM 660) district
Lykandos (M 9) 10c theme in Asia,
Macedonia / Makedonia (M 9) 10c theme in Europe,
Marakes (AC 353) district
Marakeus (AC 431) military district in Cilicia
Meletene (BM 103) early theme
Mesopotamia (M 9) 10c theme in Asia,
Monembasia (BP 130) Pelopennesian See,
Moesiae (BM 373) district and diocese
Neokastra (BM 131) theme
Nicopolis (M 9) 10c theme in Europe,
Ohrid (or Ochrida) (PL 629, BL 46) Bulgarian bishopric
Opsikion (M 9) 10c theme in Asia,
Optimaton (M 9) 10c theme in Asia,
Oriens (180) diocese
Pagras (AC 430) military district,
Palaestina Prima (BM 179) district
Palatza (AC 430) military district,
Paphlagonia (M 9) 10c theme in Asia,
Pedias (BM 98) district
Pelagonia (AC 404) district in Dalmatia,
Pelopennesus (M 9) 10c theme in Europe,
Philadelphia (BL 61) town & bishopric in Asia Minor,
Philippopolis (BL 117) town & bishopric,
Podandon (AC 431) theme,
Pontica (BM 163) diocese / theme
R(h)omania (BM 51) district
Samos (M 9) 10c theme in Asia,
Scutari (AC 306) district near Adriatic,
Sebastea (M 9) 10c theme in Asia,
Seleucia / Seleukeia (BM 103) theme
Serbia (BM 524) kingdom
Serres (BL 57) district in Macedonia,
Sosthenion (AC 323) district near Constantinople
Sparta (BM 52) Lacademonia = Sparti
St Elias (AC 430) military district,
St Symeon, (M 9) 10c port of Antioch Strymon theme in Europe,
Thrace (M 9) 10c theme in Europe,
Thracesian (M 9) 10c theme in Asia,
Thebais Inferior and Superior (BM 179) district
Thessalonike (BM 57) theme
Thracia / Thrace (BM 51) theme
Tracheia (BM 98) district
Tres Provinciae (BM 329) Sicily, Sardina and Corsica
Valania (district AC 353)
Voleron (BM 159) theme
Xerolophos (BL 63) hill and area in Constantinople,
Zoume (AC 431) theme,
=== Geographical Features ===
Aegina (PL 593) island,
Akheloos (BM 61) river
Athyras (BM 66) river
Azala (AC 341), hill near Nicea
Baake (AC 307) lake near Philippopolis,
Balearic Islands (BM 399)
Caster (BM 62) = Kόηόk Menderes
Cephalonia /Cephallenia (BL 18) Adriatic island
Charzanes (AC 410) river in Dalmatia,
Corfu (AC 360) Adriatic island,
Cos (AC 361) island
Crete /Creti (BM 51) island
Cyclades (BM 660) island group
Cyndus (BM 63) river at Tarsus
Cyprus / Cipri (BM 51) island
Dibolis (AC 399) river in Dalmatia,
Dorylaeum (AC 341) plain near Nicea
Drakon (BM 63) river = Kırk Geηid
Droa (BM 65) river = Drava
Drymon (AC 393) river in Dalmatia
Echinadian (BM 61) islands
Elissos (AC 393) river in Dalmatia,
Euboea (AC 336) Greek island,
Euxine Sea (Black Sea)
Forty Martyrs (BM 124) lake = Akşehir Gφlό
Halys (AC 356) river near Ancyra (see book for Turk)
Iberon (BM 210) island
Indus (BM 122) river = Dalaman Ηayi (no dot)
Kephalonia (AC 360) island?
Lavros (BM 201) island
Lemnos (BM 57) island
Lesbos (BM 588) island
Leucas (AC 360) island?
Lychnis (AC 393) lake in Dalmatia,
Meander / Maeandros / Maeander (PL 561) river = Bόyόk Menderes
Melas (BM 66) river
Nestos (BM 645) river
Onopniktes (BM 64) river (Parmenios?)
Patara (AC 361) island
Peneios (BM 64) river
Petra (AC 409) mountain pass in Dalmatia,
Rekhios (BM 64) river (possibly = Vardar)
Rhodes / Rhodi (M 9) island in Cibyrrhaeot,
Rhodope (BM 645) province
Samos (AC 361) Aegean island,
Sangaris / Sangarios (AC 307) river in Bithynia = Sakarya
Siberis (BM 64) river
Simoesis (BM 62) river
Skamandros (BM 62) river = Menderes
Skirtos (BM 63) river
Skopas (BM 64) river
Strymon (BM 83) river
Taurocomas (AC 305) mountains
Tenedos (BL 78) island off Thrace,
Vardar (BM 65) river = Vardarios
Voleron (BM 159) theme
Zacynthos (AC 360) island?
=== Imperial Institutions, Offices and Ranks ===
Ab actis (BM 181)
Adiutores (BM 181): aide, assistant, secretary
Agentes in rebus (BM 190)
Allectores (BM 387): business negotiator (?)
Anagrapheus (BM 431): commissioner appointed to codify laws
Anthypatos (BM 185): proconsul
Apo eparkhōn (BM 656)
Apo hypatōn (BM 194)
Apokrisiaros / apocrisiarius (BM 351): secretary
Apothēkarios/ apothecarious (BM 242): keeper of a storehouse
Apothēkē – tōn basilikōn kommerkiōn (BM 626)
Apparitor (BM 187): public servant
Argyros (BM 197) tou bestiou / tōn stephanōn (BM 276)
Arhhōn – tēs kharagēs (BM 412)
Armamentum / on (BM 331)
Assessor (BM 178): judge
Aurifices (BM 389): goldworker
Balnitōr (BM 656): bath attendant
Blattion (BM 630): purple dye maker (?) literally ‘purplish’
Bouleutēs (BM 190):
Caesar / kaisar (BM 164): heir to the throne
Cancellarius (BM 165): councillor, adviser
Castrensis – sacri palatii (BM 203): soldier in the camp
Chartularius (BM 181): keeper of the archives of the court
Chartophylax (MoL 241), archivist
Circitor (BM 166): watchman, sentinel
Clarissimus (BM 244): distinguished public figure (senator etc)
Collator (BM 332): one who contributes to the state
Comes / komēs (BM 178): literally ‘companion’, lower rank of nobles
Comes – domesticorum (BM 187): ‘companion of the house’
Comes – domorum (BM 179)
Comes – sacri patrimonii per Italium (BM 404)
Comitatus (BM 388): literally ‘escort’ or ‘companion’
Comitiva / comes sacrarum largitionum (BM 187): chief officer
Conductor (BM 332): one who hires, farmer
Consiliarius (BM 165): counsellor, adviser
Consistorium (BM 190): place of assembly
Consularis (BM 165): consul or former consul (highest ruling magistrate)
Cubicularius / koubikoularios (BM 227): chamber servant
Cubiculum – sacrum (BM 333): chamber servant of a holy place
Curator thesauri (BM 411): keeper of the store or treasure
Curiosus (BM 608): spy or scout
Cursus clabularis (BM 294) = platys dromos
Cursus publicus (BM 294) = dēmosios dromos
Cursus velox (BM 295) = oxys dromos
Dekharkhēs (BM 182)
Despotēs (BM 164): despot or master
Devotus / devotissimus (BM 243): faithful or follower
Dioiketēs (BM 414)
Domestici / domestikoi – presentales (BM 187)
Domestikoi (BM 433)
Domestikos – tēs hypourgias (BM 305)
Domestikos – tōn optimatōn (BM 312)
Domestikos - tōn skholōn (BM 104)
Domus Divina – per Cappadocium (BM 55)
Droungarios (BM 182), Admiral
Droungarios - tōn ploϊmōn (BM 184)
Ducenarius (BM 166): leader of two hundred
Dux / doux (BM 165): leader or commander
Dux et Augustalis (BM 170): commander and emperor
Eidikon / isikon / eidikos (BM 192): general
Episkepsis (BM 58): injuction or denunciation
Epoptēs (BM 414): one who is admitted into the highest grade of holy mysteries
Ergodosia (BM 629)
Eudokimotatos (BM 244)
Exarkhos / exarchus (BM 407): leader, chief or commander
Exceptor (BM 181): scribe, literally ‘one who catches up’
Excubitores / exkoubitores (BM 622): sentinels or watchmen
Exercitus (BM 423): army
Exisōtēs (BM 414)
Fabrica / phabrix (BM 416): workshop of artisan
Genikon (BM 410): belonging to the race or tribe
Grammaticus (AC 495), grammarian
Gynaecium (BM 560), women’s quarters
Hetaireia – megalē (BM 186): comrade
Honestus (BM 244): honoured or distinguished
Hypatos (BM 185): highest
Hyperarithmoi (BM 186): supernumerary
Hypeourgia – basilikē (BM )
Katholikos (BM 377): supervisor of accounts
Kellarios – oikeiakos basilikos (BM 305)
Kentarkhos (BM 182)
Khartoularios – tōn arklōn (BM )
Khartoularios – tou sakellion (BM 318)
Khartoularios – tou stablou (BM 312)
Khartoularios – tou thematos (BM 414)
Khartoularios tou vestiariou (BM 410)
Khazaroi (BM 186): pertaining to the Khazars
Khōneia (BM 225)
Khrysepsēteion (BM 259)
Khrys(o)epsētēs (BM 427)
Khrysōnēs (BM 341)
Khrys(i)oplysiai / oi (BM 225)
Khrysiurgion (BM 260)
Kleisoura (BM 183): narrow pass
Kleisourarkhēs (BM 182)
Koitōn – basilikos (BM 160): chamberlain possibly ‘of the king’
Koitōnitēs (BM 191)
Kommerkiaros (BM 592)
Komes – tou stablou (BM 312)
Kortē – basilikē (BM 272)
Kouratōreion (BM 104): curator
Kouropalatēs (BM 185)
Kritēs – thematos (BM 430) = praitōr
Lamprotatos (BM 244)
Largitionales (BM 387): treasury officers
Limitanei (BM 166)
Logothetēs – tōn agelōn (BM )
Logothetēs – tou dromou (BM 220)
Logothetēs – tou genikou (BM 410)
Logothetēs – tou stratiōtikou (BM 410)
Magister militum (BM 165) = stratēgoi: master of war or general
Magister officiorum (BM 388): master of the workplace (?)
Magister (rationalis) – rei privatae (BM 377)
Magistros (BM 185): master
Manglavitēs (BM 191): bath slave (?)
Mansio (BM 73): lodging place, abode
Megas diermēneutēs (BM 440)
Megas domestikos (BM 159): chief domestic
Megas doux (BM 181): great or over leader
Megas logariastēs (tōn euagōn sekretōn) (BM 433)
Megas logariastēs (tōn sekretōn) (BM 432)
Megas logothetēs (BM 208)
Megas stratopedarkhēs (BM 212)
Meriarkhēs (BM 182)
Mētaton (BM 311)
Metrētai (BM 318): measurer
Minsouratōr (BM 305) = mensurator: measurer
Moderator (BM 178): manager or director
Moneta (BM 276): the mint
Moneta publica / fiscalis (BM 390)
Monetarius (BM 326): master of the mint
Numerarius (BM 166): keeper of accounts
Osequium (BM 621) = opsikion
Officium / offikion (BM 165), office staff
Oikeiakōn, epi tōn (BM 434)
Opifices – monetae (BM 321): makers of money
Orphanotrophos (BM 297): bringer up of orphans
Palatinus /i (BM 388): person or people of the Palatine
Parakoimōmemos (BM 104): guard
Patricius / patrikios (BM 185): patrician or noble
Pertinentia (BM 89) = episkepsis
Pharganoi (BM 186)
Phylax (BM 310): sentinel, watcher
Praefectura /us (BM 165): pefect or president
Praefectus – Augustalis (BM 179): prefect of Augustus
Praefectus – urbi(s) (BM 194): prefect of the city
Praefectus – vigilum (BM 180): prefect of the virgiles (city police)
Praepositus (BM 459): overseer
Praepositus – sacri cubiculi (BM 179): overseer of the sacred chamber
Praepositus – (sacrorum) thesaurorum (BM 345): overseer of the treasure
Praeses (BM 165): guardian, defender
Praetor / praitōr (BM 178): head, leader or chief
Praetor populi (BM 180): leader of the people
Praktōr (BM 99)
Primicerius (BM 166): first or chief
Primikērios – tou (oikeiakou) vestiariou (BM 440)
Prokathēmenos – tou vestiariou (BM 440)
Proconsul (BM 178): one who, at the end of his consulship, becomes a governor of a province
Procurator – monetae (BM 316): manager of the money
Proedros (BM 185): priviledged one (eg gets front seats in theatre etc)
Prosecutores (BM 387): attendant, companion
Protectores / protiktores (BM 622): bodyguards
Prōtokarabos (BM 191)
Prōtonotarios – tou thematos (BM 305)
Prōtoproedros (BM 58)
Prōtopatharaton (BM 186)
Prōtospatharios (BM 185)
Prōtostratōr (BM 259)
Protostratotius (“chief equerry”, Basil I held this position for Michael III before their marriage, MoL 234)
Prōtovestariarios (BM 192)
Quasestor – sacri palatii (BM 404)
Quaestura / quastor exercitus (BM 104): the office of magistrate
Rationalis (BM 381): treasurer
Rationalis – rei summae (BM 329): literally ‘treasurer of high things’
Rhaiktōr (BM 184)
Sabastos (BM 89): quarrier of gravel or rock (?)
Sakellion / sakellarios (BM 192): ‘shieldlet’
Scalptores (BM 389): carver
Scholae / Skholai (BM 186): school, disciples
Scholarii / skholarioi (BM 243): belonging to a school
Scribo (BM 190): to write, I write, something written
Scrinium (BM 390): book box or letter case
Sebastokratōr (BM 89): august person
Sekreta (BM 410)
Semissalis (BM 166): literally ‘half another’ (???)
Skēnē – basilikē (BM 272)
Spatharios (BM 185): swordsman (?)
Spatharokandidatos (BM 185): trainee swordsman (?)
Spectabilis (BM 180): literally ‘spectacle’, a title for high officers
Stathmos (BM 99): quarters, lodging, station
Statio (BM 331): post or station
Stratēgia (BM 624): general
Stratēgos (BM 138): general
Stratelatēs (BM 656): military command
Stratiōtikon (BM 410)
Stratopedarkhein / startopedarkhēs (BM 133): military commander
Susceptor (BM 331): contractor or collector of taxes – tax farmer
Tagmata (BM 130): leader of a brigade of soldiers
Tamieion – basilikon / koinon (BM 131): servant or steward of …
Tourmakhēs (BM 182)
Trapeza – basilikē (BM 186): table of the …
Trapeza – genikē (BM 411) table of the …
Trapeza – idikē (BM 411) table of the …
Tribunus et notarius (BM 187): tribunes (captains) and clerks
Turma /tourma (BM 193): troop or squadron
Vestarkhēs (BM 185)
Vestēs (BM 185)
Vestiaritai (BM 433): clothiers (?)
Vestiarium / ion (BM 197) = basilikiē koinon tamiseion
Vestiarion – oikeiakon basilikou (BM 197)
Vicarius (BM 178): underservant or underslave
Xenodokheion (BM 134): place for strangers to lodge
Zygostatēs – demosios (BM 317)
Possible and Definite Nicknames
the Almsgiver (BM 204) John, patriarch of Alexandria
Balsamon (12c PL 600) Theodorus, canonical comentator,
Cataias (BP 39) John, 7c
Chrysostom (St John)
Diblatius (AC 497) Bogomile preacher,
Digenis (PL 608)
the Fat (BM 225) John Comnenus
Mavrocatacalon (AC 302) Marianus
the Naked (PL 631)
the New (PL 584) Basil, seer 10c
the New Theologian (PL 584) Simeon,
Pantechnes (AC 510) Michael, “many skills”,
the Phileote (PL 584)
Scholasticus (BP 19) John 6c p,
Scylitzes (PL 560) John, author,
the Studite (PL 597)
the Stylite (BM 174) Joshua
Thaumaturgus (BP 19) Symeon, holy man
Tourmachos (PL 583) troop commander,
Bibliography used (commonly available lists of Emperors and Saints are not mentioned)
Ariθs, Phillipe and George Duby (general editors) A History of Private Life Vol 1 From Pagan Rome to Byzantium Paul Veyne (1992) (translated Arthur Goldhammer) Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, ISBN 0 674 39974 9. A very readable account of customs and morιs. (citations use PL xxx)
Boswell, John (1996) The Marriage of Likeness: Same-Sex Unions in Pre-modern Europe Fontana Press, London, ISBN 0 00 686326 4. Establishes a long history of such marriage. Includes texts of hetero- and homosexual matrimony. Fascinating reading by a master linguist and historian. (citations use MoL xxx)
Cavallo, Guglielmo (editor) (1992) The Byzantines (translated Thomas Dunlap, Teresa Lavender Fagan & Charles Lambert) The University of Chicago Press, London, ISBN 0 226 09792 7. Gives a sketch of some of the different social groups that made up the culture. (citations use tb xxxx)
Comnena, Anna (1150) (translated E. R. A. Sewter) The Alexiad Penguin Books, London (this edition 1969), ISBN 0 14 044215 4. A Byzantine Princess, exiled to a convent for plotting against the Emperor, writes a histoory of the Emperor’s predecessor - her father). Essential reading for a balanced view of the First Crusade. (citations use AC xxx)
Hendy, Michael F. (1985) Studies in the Byzantine Monetary Economy c300-1450 Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, ISBN 0-521-24715-2 (citations use BM xxx)
Jeffreys, Elizabeth and Michael, Ann Moffat (editors) (1978) Byzantine Papers: Proceedings of the First Australian Byzantine Studies Conference, Humanities Research Centre, ANU, Canberra. ISBN 0 86784 009 9. For specialists only, some illustrations. (citations use BP xxx)
Nicol, Donald M. (1996) The Byzantine Lady: Ten Portraits 1250-1500 Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, ISBN 0 521 57623 7. Unusual both in dealing with Byzantine women and with the lateness of the portrayal. (citations use BL xxx)
Treharne, R. F. (1982) Muir’s Atlas of Medieval and Modern History George Phillip, London, ISBN 0 540 05434 8. (citations us M xx)

== The Causes for the Fall of (New) Rome. ==
While the Roman Empire did not finally fall until 1453, the seeds for its destruction were planted well before, and were indeed inherent in its structure for most of the Middle Ages. Much as they hurt the old empire, the devastation wrought upon it by the barbarians of the west merely showed how tough the system was and how well it was able to rebuild and continue to survive against the odds.

The start of its fall stemmed from several major roots. The first is linguistic / religious, the second is foreign war and the third is the decline in Constantinople's ability to control the Mediterranean Sea. These feed into each other in several ways.

The linguistic / religious issue is a complex one. What we today call Byzantium was called Romanie (or Rome) by its inhabitants. The name ‘Byzantium’ being a construct as a part of the modern re-construction of history as it was necessary (for Western pride) for the Roman Empire to have fallen (and not been finally destroyed by the West itself) and for the Dark Ages to occur.

The inhabitants of the central part of Romanie spoke Latin. Some parts of the Empire (especially Egypt) spoke other tongues (Greek) and had local Church customs that varied from those of the official Orthodox Church. Seeing that Bishops were appointed by the Metropolitan in Constantinople, and he had a habit of appointing Latin speaking Orthodox Bishops to oversee Greek-speaking Monophysites, there was a build up of resentment against the central government.
This explains why, when the Muslims came, they were greeted as liberators by the populace, who were allowed to keep their religion by the conquerors.
In 603 Chosroes II invaded the Empire and was not driven out until 622. This Persian invasion conquered most of Palestine and Egypt, depriving Constantinople of the grain, timber for its fleet and much of its revenue. This was closely followed by an Avar invasion in 626 which reached the walls of the city. When the various invaders were driven off, using control of the sea to outmanoeuvre them, Romanie was left with greatly depleted resources and much weaker in manpower for its armies. A typical battle involved 100 - 200,000 troops.

The Muslim campaign of 635 followed closely on these earlier attacks and gave the Empire no time to recover. By 645 Palestine, Syria and the most productive parts of Africa were lost to the Muslims. This speed of collapse was partly due to the welcome extended by the different religious groups and partly due to Romania, which relied on small professional armies transported by sea and backed by levies had no answer for the overwhelming land-based armies of the Muslims.

Even despite these setbacks, the power of Romanie continued to control the Mediterranean basin (with a fair amount of fluctuation in fortune), as Imperial fleets raided Muslim settlements forcing the administrative centres to be placed far from the sea (Damascus and Cairo rather than Caesarea and Alexandria). This naval control was made possible with the introduction in 673 of Greek fire. It was only through the use of this weapon that the numerically inferior Empire was able to continue its maritime struggle against the Muslims, making raids and landing armies as far away as Spain for the next few centuries and keeping the Arabs from the vulnerable southern shores of Europe. It was during this time that Greek gradually gained ascendancy as the language of Court.

It was only with the gradual loss of the provinces that supplied timber to the fleet that Roman naval power was reduced. Of course, once started, this was a downward slide and Romanie grew unable to protect Sicily, Cyprus, Sardinia and its provinces in Italy and its more vulnerable lands in Africa (Spain had been finally lost to the Visigoths during the Persian wars).

Lewis, Archibald R. (1951) Naval Power and Trade in the Mediterranean AD 500-1100
Mango, Cyril (1994) Byzantium: The Empire of New Rome
Moorhead, John (1981) "The Monophysite Response to the Arab Invasions" Byazantion 51.
Whittow, Mark (1996) The Making of Byzantium 600-1025

== Notes ==
Much of this article is based on an original article by [[Hrolf Herjolfssen]].

Latest revision as of 07:15, 18 July 2008

The Byzantine Empire, called in period the Eastern Roman Empire or New Rome was centred around the city of Constantinople and represented the eastern bulwark of Christendom against the rise of Islam. Unlike western Europe, however, the Byzantines were Eastern Orthodox Christians, and not Roman Catholics.

Byzantium played an immensely important role in the Medieval era, providing a link with the ancient past of the Ancient Greeks and the Roman Empire but also dominating the trade and pilgrimage routes which were important to western Europeans. In addition, the efforts of the Byzantines stopped (or at least slowed) the advance of Islam, which was regarded as a mortal threat to Christian Europe.

The Crusades were partly caused (and heavily influenced) by Byzantium; in 1096 Alexius I Comnenus called for help repelling the Turks (who, having captured much of Asia Minor, threatened Constantiople itself and damaged the lucrative overland trade routes. The western Europeans, entranced with the "official" cause for war -- protecting the pilgrim routes and freeing Jerusalem responded in immense numbers, triggering the First Crusade.

Byzantine ceremony and politics alike were highly cosmopolitan and could often be very subtle and intricate -- hence our modern use of the word "Byzantine" to describe needlessly devious or complicated things. Byzantines were often distrusted by their more straightforward western European cousins because of this. See also Byzantine ceremony for details.

Byzantine power waxed and waned throughout the Medieval period, often as a result of crusades (particularly the Fourth Crusade and was finally wiped out by the fall of Constantinople in 1453.

In period, the Byzantines often used a red banner with a white crescent and a six-pointed star as their symbol, contrasted with the traditional green banner and crescent carried by the caliphs of Islam.

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