later roman empire, key dates History Timeline and Biographies

Diocletian Becomes Emperor

In 284 AD, Diocletian ascended to the throne, marking the beginning of significant reforms in the later Roman Empire. He established the Tetrarchy, dividing the empire into four regions governed by co-emperors, which aimed to provide more effective control over the vast territories of the empire during a time of crisis.

Edict of Milan

The Edict of Milan, issued in 313 AD by Constantine the Great, granted religious tolerance throughout the empire, particularly towards Christianity. This pivotal moment in the later Roman Empire marked the beginning of Christianity's transition into a dominant religion within the empire.

Foundation of Constantinople

In 330 AD, Constantine officially dedicated Byzantium as Constantinople, establishing it as the new capital of the later Roman Empire. This strategic location would become a center of trade, culture, and politics, significantly influencing the empire's future.

Division of the Roman Empire

Following the death of Theodosius I in 395 AD, the Roman Empire was permanently divided into the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. This division marked a critical moment in the later Roman Empire, leading to divergent paths for both halves of the empire.

Sack of Rome by the Visigoths

In 410 AD, the Visigoths, led by Alaric, sacked Rome. This event symbolized the decline of the Western Roman Empire and highlighted the vulnerabilities of the later Roman Empire in the face of external pressures from barbarian tribes.

Fall of the Western Roman Empire

The deposition of the last Roman emperor, Romulus Augustulus, in 476 AD by Odoacer marked the traditional date for the fall of the Western Roman Empire. This event signifies the end of ancient Rome's political structure in the west and the rise of various barbarian kingdoms.

Justinian I Becomes Emperor

In 527 AD, Justinian I ascended to the throne of the Eastern Roman Empire. His reign was marked by ambitious military campaigns, the codification of Roman law (Corpus Juris Civilis), and significant architectural achievements, including the Hagia Sophia.

Nika Riots

The Nika Riots erupted in Constantinople in 532 AD, leading to widespread destruction and the potential overthrow of Justinian I. The emperor's decisive response and subsequent rebuilding efforts would reshape the city and solidify his power in the later Roman Empire.

Heraclius Becomes Emperor

Heraclius became emperor in 610 AD, initiating significant military reforms and the establishment of the theme system. His reign marked a critical turning point in the later Roman Empire, particularly in its struggle against Persian and later Arab invasions.

Siege of Constantinople

The Umayyad Caliphate launched a major siege against Constantinople in 717 AD. The city's successful defense marked a turning point in the later Roman Empire's ability to resist Islamic expansion and solidified its status as a bastion of Christianity.

Charlemagne Crowned Emperor

In 800 AD, Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III, reviving the title and symbolizing the connection between the later Roman Empire and the emerging Holy Roman Empire. This event reflected the ongoing influence of Roman legacy in medieval Europe.

Great Schism of 1054

The Great Schism in 1054 AD resulted in the formal division between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. This schism had profound implications for the later Roman Empire, contributing to religious and political tensions that would shape its future.

Fourth Crusade and the Sack of Constantinople

The Fourth Crusade culminated in the sack of Constantinople in 1204 AD, leading to a significant weakening of the later Roman Empire. This event not only diminished the empire's power but also deepened the rift between the Eastern and Western Christian worlds.

Fall of Constantinople

The fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453 AD marked the definitive end of the later Roman Empire. This event not only concluded centuries of Roman rule but also ushered in a new era in world history, with significant implications for Europe and the Mediterranean region.