The History of the Byzantine Empire

The byzantine empire was a vast mediterranean empire even after the fall of the western roman empire in the fifth century. Avars, persians and then arabs would attempt to besiege constantinople, but the power of incendiary fluid called greek fire would fend off them. This wouldn't make the city trouble free, though, because the rule of emperor justinian in the sixth century would witness the nika riots. His reign also saw an outbreak of plague in the city, which was around the time of the first major outbreak of plague that would become a feature of mediaeval history. The issyrian dynasty of byzantine rulers generally did not support the orthodox tradition