Transformations of the Eighth Century Byzantine Empire
Category
Business, Education and Humanities
Department
History
Student Status
Undergraduate
Research Advisor
Dr. Kyle Thompson
Document Type
Event
Location
Student Center Ballroom
Start Date
10-4-2025 2:00 PM
End Date
10-4-2025 4:00 PM
Description
In the seventh century, the Byzantine empire suffered numerous crises that resulted in its near total collapse. Conflict with the newly formed Arab Caliphate led to the loss of more than two thirds of its territory. By the eighth century, however, the Empire had stabilized. This research will address the transformations of Byzantine institutions during this period. This study of the administrative transformations of the Empire focuses on the transition from civilian administered provinces to the themata system, which brought the Empire's provinces under military governance. Additionally, this study will explore how the themata system contributed to the creation of a powerful, landed aristocracy from the periphery which vied for political control with a civilian bureaucracy centered in Constantinople. Furthermore, this research will explore the changing role of the Byzantine emperors, who were tasked with defending the territorial integrity of the Empire from powerful foes. This research is intended to contribute to the broader understanding of the Byzantine empire's transition from late antiquity to the early Middle Ages.
Transformations of the Eighth Century Byzantine Empire
Student Center Ballroom
In the seventh century, the Byzantine empire suffered numerous crises that resulted in its near total collapse. Conflict with the newly formed Arab Caliphate led to the loss of more than two thirds of its territory. By the eighth century, however, the Empire had stabilized. This research will address the transformations of Byzantine institutions during this period. This study of the administrative transformations of the Empire focuses on the transition from civilian administered provinces to the themata system, which brought the Empire's provinces under military governance. Additionally, this study will explore how the themata system contributed to the creation of a powerful, landed aristocracy from the periphery which vied for political control with a civilian bureaucracy centered in Constantinople. Furthermore, this research will explore the changing role of the Byzantine emperors, who were tasked with defending the territorial integrity of the Empire from powerful foes. This research is intended to contribute to the broader understanding of the Byzantine empire's transition from late antiquity to the early Middle Ages.
