Byzantine Empire under the Macedonian dynasty

Byzantine Empire
867–1056
The Byzantine Empire at the death of Basil II, 1025
The Byzantine Empire at the death of Basil II, 1025
CapitalConstantinople
Common languagesMedieval Greek,Old Albanian Romance languages, Armenian, Old Church Slavic, South Slavic languages, Syriac language
Religion
Eastern Orthodox Church
GovernmentBureaucratic semi-elective monarchy
Emperor 
• 867–886
Basil I
• 1055–1056
Theodora Porphyrogenita
History 
• Murder of Michael III
24 September 867
31 August 1056
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Byzantine Empire under the Amorian dynasty
First Bulgarian Empire
Byzantine Empire under the Doukas dynasty
County of Apulia and Calabria
Catepanate of Ras
Duklja

The Byzantine Empire under the Macedonian dynasty underwent a revival during the late 9th, 10th, and early 11th centuries. Under the Macedonian emperors, the empire gained control over the Adriatic Sea, Southern Italy, and all of the territory of the Tsar Samuil of Bulgaria. The Macedonian dynasty was characterised by a cultural revival in spheres such as philosophy and the arts, and has been dubbed the "Golden Age" of Byzantium.[1]

The cities of the empire expanded, and affluence spread across the provinces because of the newfound security. The population rose, and production increased, stimulating new demand for trade.

Culturally, there was considerable growth in education and learning (the "Macedonian Renaissance"). Ancient texts were preserved and recopied. Byzantine art flourished, and brilliant mosaics graced the interiors of the many new churches.[2]

Though the empire was much smaller than during the reign of Justinian, it was stronger, as its territories were both less dispersed and more politically and culturally integrated.[citation needed]

  1. ^ Browning, Robert (1992). The Byzantine Empire. Washington, DC: The Catholic University of America Press. p. 95. ISBN 978-0-8132-0754-4.
  2. ^ Norwich, John Julius (1998). A Short History of Byzantium. Penguin. ISBN 0-14-025960-0.

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