Before Justinian came into power, Constantinople was being destroyed by riots and devastating fires that swept the city. Many buildings were destroyed and the death total was very high. Once Justinian became the new emperor of the Byzantine Empire, Constantinople was restored. However, throughout history, many wars broke out between the empire and bordering countries.
In 559, the Battle of Melanthius broke out between the Bulgarians, a new empire next to Constantinople. They had been influenced greatly by the Byzantine Empire, and they fought many battles in hopes of obtaining more land. In 599, they declared war on Byzantine. The Byzantine empire came out on top, though, and kept them from invading Constantinople.
In 729, the Battle of Ravenna broke out between the Italians and Byzantines. This was the Italian's response to an image of worship that Pope Gregory II was against. The Eastern Roman Army was defeated and thousands of Byzantines were killed.
In 1090s, the Emperor asked for help from the West to fight the Seljuks. They had blocked off routes to Jerusalem which resulted in the First Crusade. Later during the crusade, a trade rivalry turned into violence between the empire and Venice. In 1204, merchants persuaded knights to attack Constantinople. For the next three days the crusaders burned and plundered the city. They had shared the wealth with westward civilizations. Western Christians took over Constantinople for 57 years. Even though the Byzantine emperor claimed the capital in the 1260's, they could never recover.
In 559, the Battle of Melanthius broke out between the Bulgarians, a new empire next to Constantinople. They had been influenced greatly by the Byzantine Empire, and they fought many battles in hopes of obtaining more land. In 599, they declared war on Byzantine. The Byzantine empire came out on top, though, and kept them from invading Constantinople.
In 729, the Battle of Ravenna broke out between the Italians and Byzantines. This was the Italian's response to an image of worship that Pope Gregory II was against. The Eastern Roman Army was defeated and thousands of Byzantines were killed.
In 1090s, the Emperor asked for help from the West to fight the Seljuks. They had blocked off routes to Jerusalem which resulted in the First Crusade. Later during the crusade, a trade rivalry turned into violence between the empire and Venice. In 1204, merchants persuaded knights to attack Constantinople. For the next three days the crusaders burned and plundered the city. They had shared the wealth with westward civilizations. Western Christians took over Constantinople for 57 years. Even though the Byzantine emperor claimed the capital in the 1260's, they could never recover.