Middle Byzantine Period of Athens

Middle Byzantine Period (565-1081)

Administrative, economic, and social changes within the Byzantine Empire meant the abolition of Athens as an autonomous center. The city, now losing its strategic importance, has been part of the 'Thema of Greece' since the 7th Century. It is considered as an administrative district, based in Thebes, entering obscurity.

717-740
Athens takes part in the Revolt of Galliano against Leon III the Isaurian.

732/733
Athens is put under the jurisdiction of the patriarchate of Constantinople.

780-788 & 797-802
The rule of the Byzantine Empire is under the control of the empress Irene of Athens - as trustee and co-emperor of her juvenile son, Constantine VI.

1018
The great Byzantine emperor, Basileios II Boulgaroktonos (Basil II, the Bulgar-slayer) visits Athens and pays homage in the church of Panagia the Athiniotissa, which is no other than the Parthenon Temple.

1054
The bishop of Athens, Leon, participates at the Council of Constantinople, where the schism be-tween the Eastern and the Western Church is officially declared.

▶︎ Early Byzantine Period (324-565)
▶︎ Middle Byzantine Period (565-1081)
▶︎ Late Byzantine Period (1081-1204)
▶︎ The Latin Occupation (1204-1456)