330 CEConstantinople founded
Constantine rebuilds Byzantium as a new Christian capital to rival Rome.
330–1453 CEByzantine Empire
The Eastern Roman Empire, ruled from Constantinople: Orthodox Christianity, gold mosaics, icons and the emperor as God's representative.
500–1453 CEByzantine art
Gold-ground mosaics, icons, frontal sacred figures, and domed churches express Orthodox belief and the emperor's religious authority.
527 CEJustinian becomes Byzantine emperor
Low-born, married to Theodora. Writes the Justinian Code and reconquers Italy.
532 CENika Revolt
Riots nearly topple Justinian; Theodora convinces him to stay and fight. Belisarius and Mundus crush the revolt — then he rebuilds.
532–537 CEHagia Sophia completed
Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles build a vast dome on pendentives. Later converted to a mosque.
726–843 CEIconoclastic Controversy
Byzantines fight over religious images; John of Damascus defends icons for worship.
c. 805–865 CEKassiani composes
Byzantine abbess — first known female composer in Constantinople. Hymn of Kassiani is still sung on Holy Wednesday.
1054 CEEast–West Schism
Christianity splits into Roman Catholic (West) and Eastern Orthodox (East).
1202–1204Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople
Out of money, crusaders sail from Venice and sack Christian Constantinople, fatally weakening Byzantium.
1453Fall of Constantinople
The Ottomans take the city — end of the Eastern Roman Empire. It becomes Istanbul.