by Pixie Clearwater

Created on: August 04, 2008

In order to explain the fall of the Byzantine empire, first its power in earlier years must be explored. The period 850-1025 is often described as the golden-age of the Byzantine empire, from the mid ninth century up until the death of Basil II in 1025 it can be argued that Byzantium was at the peak of its power. From creating a true impregnable capital in Constantinople to an administrative and governmental system reflective of a modern society, yet maintaining key parts of its Roman history, the Byzantine empire appeared on the surface to be a formidable force in the east. However, underneath this faade of military power and wealth lay a series of weaknesses that despite not causing any drastic problems during this particular era, would eventually contribute to the dramatic collapse of the empire during the late eleventh century.

One of the major reasons for the strength of the Byzantine empire from 850-1025 was the emergence of the Macedonian emperors. The first of this dynasty, Basil I set about stabilising the empire in both political and economic terms. In this case it meant using similar methods from their roman heritage, "As a legislator he deliberately initiated a revival of Roman law." # Basil I set a precedent for the Macedonian emperors to follow, they all showed strong willed natures that was vital for a centralised system, like that that existed within Byzantium. They needed the people of the Byzantine empire to follow and respect the decisions that they made on their behalf, as historian Diehl points out the Macedonian emperors "chose to be dreaded rather than loved" #, however for much of this time the emperors were still admired as they were seen as God's representatives on earth. Further adding to their success, the period of the Macedonian dynasty was littered with victories, including Basil I defeating the Arabs in 873 and the conquest of Bulgaria much later from 1001-18 under the last Macedonian emperor Basil II, hence why this age is referred to as "the age of reconquest."# This also highlights that despite 850-1025 been essentially a time of defence, the emperors were willing to use their military effectiveness to further extend the borders of the empire and remove the threat of possible aggressors. By the end of the Macedonian dynasty with the death of Basil II in 1025, it can be argued that the Byzantine empire had never been in a more stable position and much of this can be attributed to the reign of the Macedonian emperors.

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