Rise Of Byzantium Research Paper

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Pages: 4

The tenth century witnessed a notable revival of Byzantium, where the empire reached new heights under able Macedonian leaders. During the Macedonian dynasty of 857-1056, Byzantium achieved remarkable military successes, including the acquisition of the Adriatic Sea, Southern Italy and all territories of Tsar Samuel of Bulgaria. During the flourish of the tenth century, cities expanded, population and production increased provoking demand and trade leading to a spread of affluence. Constantinople became the largest and wealthiest European city under Macedonian success. The prosperity of Byzantium was not limited to economic and military successes, however, as culturally the empire had underwent a revival also. There was a significant advance …show more content…
Furthermore, a 911 expedition was ambushed and undeniably defeated by Leo of Tripoli off Chios, a huge loss to Byzantium. However, after 920, Byzantium’s fortunes began to reverse. In 923, the conclusive overthrow of Leo of Tripoli, as well as the assassination of Damian of Tarsus during a siege marked a turn-around and thus the beginning of the Byzantine recovery. Despite the fact that there were failures under Leo VI’s reign, his transfer from defensive to offensive expansionist policy irrefutably aided not only territorial gains but also a rejuvenation of social and political aspects of Byzantium. Succeeding Leo VI, Emperor Constantine VII who reigned from 913-959 and was renowned for his academic contributions to the improvement of social, cultural and political improvements in Byzantium. John Julius Norwich refers to Constantine as ‘The Scholar Emperor’ in his book, A Short History of Byzantium. Constantine had wrote/commissioned works such as De Ceremoniis and De Administrando Imperio, concerning court ceremonies and the administration of the empire. Socially, Constantine vastly enhanced living standards for the population of Byzantium.