|
|
|
|
|
The Macedonian Dynasty (867-1081)
.Basil reformed the finances of the state and supplemented Justinian's law codes and tried to settle the ecclesiastical disputes between the eastern and western churches .A temporary settlement was reached in 898.In the tenth century the Russians advanced into Bulgaria. John Zimisces, led a campaign against the Russians in the mid tenth century, driving the Russians beyond the Danube.Under Basil II (976-1025) friendly relations were established with the Russians,who accepted the eastern Orthodox church of Byzantium. The Macedonian line ended after the second of Basil's daughters died unmarried and were followed by weak rulers. There was a fresh Moslem invasion led by the Seljuk Turks who annihilated the army of Romanus IV at Manzikert. Most of Asia Minor was lost and military power of the Byzantines seriously weakened. The Seljuks probably would have taken Constantinople except for the appearance of the Mongols who in turn delivered a serious defeat to the Seljuks, making them a vassal state. Mongol rule was to last only a generation. The Seljuks were not to revive, one of their emirates would rise to do so, the Ottoman Turks. At the same time,Normans from southern Italy were threatening attack from the west.
Map of the Byzantine empire and Turks, 1265 and 1355
Battle of Manzikert 1071
|
The Legend of Basil the Bulgar-Slayer Paul Stephenson The long reign of the Byzantine emperor Basil II (976-1025) has been considered a "golden age", in which his greatest achievement was the annexation of Bulgaria after a long and bloody war. |
|
The Comneni Dynasty (1081-1204)- Crusader sack of 1204 and the Fall of the Byzantine Empire |
