The Byzantine Empire

Byzantine Government

Justinian’s successor Heraclius I (610-641) was responsible for saving the remains of Byzantium from the ruinous invasions of Persians and Barbarians, as well as sorting out the terrible state of government finances after Justinian’s excesses. However, this was also the time of Mohammed and early Islam. Mohammed’s followers were already invading deep into Byzantine Syria. Despite these trials, Heraclius I was able to establish a measure of peace and security through good government, but it was Leo the Isaurian (717-741) who was most effective in halting foreign invasions of Byzantium.

While the Byzantine Empire was greatly reduced in size by 1000, it had developed a well organised system of government, a stable administration or civil service, and a fair army. These were three important elements which assured the survival of the Byzantines. The Emperor of Byzantium was no longer called Caesar, but Basileus instead. The power and authority of the Basileus was thought to be absolute, and the Christian Basileus was only responsible to God.

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