The administrative system in the Early Byzantine period was a continuation of the reforms begun by Diocletian (284-305) and continued by Constantine (324-337). These reforms significantly expanded the imperial bureaucracy while significantly reducing the size of the provinces. The main point of the administration was to provide the necessary security and financial needs of the empire. The Roman Empire, since the end of the reign of Marcus Aurelius (161-180) had faced nearly a century of crises,...

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The military forces that were stationed in Constantinople consisted mostly of men of the imperial guard (the units of which were called “scholae” during the Early Byzantine period and “tagmata” during the Middle period). Units of regular army that were camped in Thrace and Bithynia were responsible for guarding the city walls in case of siege, while the citizens, and especially the members of guilds and the demoi, played important role in Constantinople’s defense.

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The patriarchate of Constantinople developed closely along with the city itself; thus, the bishop of New Rome gradually developed to the ecumenical patriarch. Ideally, the patriarch worked with the emperor under the principle of symphonia, close and peaceful cooperation. Although individual patriarchs sometimes found themselves completely pushed over by forceful emperors or struggling in confrontation with imperial will, for most of its history the patriarchate cooperated closely with the...

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The senate of Constantinople was founded by Constantine the Great and it incorporated the highest ranks of the Eastern Roman Empire's administration. Originaly, this body played an important role, particularly in periods of political instability. After the end of the 6th century, it is uncertain whether the Senate continues to function as an independent political body. However, the senatorial class remains a distinctive group until the 11th century and it is largely identified with the ruling...

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