The secret of the Byzantine Empire is that it's a tragedy – marked by spectacular glory followed by dismal downfall and oblivion. It’s the tale of what happened to the Eastern part of the Roman Empire and is largely overshadowed by the narratives of Western history.
Think of the Roman Empire as one big, old family that split into two: the Western half fell apart and got swallowed up by various tribes and peoples, which later turned into the first European nations. But the the Eastern part thrived for an additional thousand years. This era was marked by bitter struggle with encroaching Western kingdoms and the Arab invasion. When Constantinople finally succumbed to their combined onslaught, there wasn’t really anyone left to keep its memory alive.
In the Western Renaissance and Age of Enlightenment, scholars idolized Ancient Rome and classical Greece, which were seen as the pinnacle of cultural development. But they turned their noses up at the Byzantines, who were actually carrying on the Roman legacy, and were like “They’re not real Romans”, dubbed them “Byzantines”, after their capital’s old name, and painted Byzantine history as a long downhill slide into barbarism and decay.
But because the Byzantine Empire didn't get the spotlight, many of its secrets are still tucked away, waiting for someone to bring them into the light. And let me tell you, there’s a treasure trove of stories from that thousand-year reign just waiting to be uncovered.
The Byzantine Empire's history is a rollercoaster, brimming with events, drama, and wars that could fuel a dozen TV shows akin to 'Game of Thrones.' Picture Constantinople, akin to the New York City of its era – bustling streets, markets brimming with goods from across the globe, and a diverse populace. Marvel at the immense Theodosian Walls, an engineering masterpiece that remained unsurpassed until gunpowder's advent. Envision the 750-meter-long massive chain stretching from towers to shield the Golden Horn bay, complemented by Greek fire-spewing flamethrower ships.
Consider the fierce Arab invasion which led to the loss of vast territories like North Africa, Egypt, Syria, the Levant, and Mesopotamia, nearly annihilating the empire. The romans regained stability under Leo III the Isaurian – a formidable figure from the warrior Isaurians of Asia Minor. This led to the creation of the massive Ta Akra (or Al-Awasim) frontier, a centuries-long divide between Muslim and Christian kingdoms. It was a truly grim zone of devastation and scorched earth.
Reflect on the relentless wars with Western kingdoms, resulting in the loss of Spain, Italy, and the Balkans. The loss of Italy was particularly devastating, not just territorially but economically, as it housed major imperial silk factories. Byzantium's monopoly on silk production, a secret cunningly obtained from China by two Byzantine monks who smuggled silk moth cocoons in their walking sticks, was thus broken.
The Crusades added another epic chapter to Byzantine history, beginning with a misunderstood plea for help from Emperor Alexios I to Pope Urban II. Initially intended as a mercenary reinforcement against Muslim forces, the Crusades evolved into a series of religious wars, profoundly affecting the empire. The Fourth Crusade, in particular, was catastrophic for Byzantium. In 1204, crusaders diverted from their original mission, besieged and conquered Constantinople. This event was marked by unprecedented destruction and looting. Priceless art treasures, including ancient bronze statues crafted by Lysippos, the court sculptor of Alexander the Great, were melted down for their bronze. Many other artifacts were carried away, ending up dispersed across Europe. This tragic event didn't just ravage the city; it dealt a devastating blow to the empire, from which it never fully recovered.
Equally intense was the Byzantine conflict with the Pope in Rome. The popes were always their bitter rivals, locked in a constant struggle to secure religious (and consequently political) influence over the emerging Western states in former Roman territories. In just one striking example of medieval intrigue, the Pope utilized forged documents around the 8th to 9th centuries, known as 'the Donation of Constantine.' This fabricated decree allegedly transferred authority over Rome and the western Roman Empire to the Pope, legitimizing his power to crown emperors. Utilizing this, Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne as Emperor of the Romans, establishing the Holy Roman Empire. Charlemagne was regarded by the Byzantines as an illegitimate ruler, with the Pope seen as manipulating historical narratives for political gain. Because by Roman law no priest had the rights to crown emperors. That right was reserved only for the senate and the Roman people.
These stories offer only a glimpse of a complex tapestry of tales, yet they often remain overshadowed, hidden away in the depths of history books. Byzantine historian Anna Komnena recognized this in her historical epic 'Alexiad,' written around 1148. She highlighted the role of history in preserving the past, understanding that without diligent recording, even the mightiest empires might be reduced to mere footnotes over time.
