Eastern Roman Empire based in Constantinople. Play the The Byzantine Empire trivia quiz solo to sharpen your knowledge, or challenge a friend head-to-head in Trivia Tango — every question comes with an explanation so you learn as you play. Questions span every level, from easy warm-ups to expert-level stumpers, so there's a real challenge here however much you already know.
A mix of easy, medium and hard — questions run from warm-up to expert, so there's a real challenge at every level. Think you know the answers? Play to find out.
This city served as the capital of the Byzantine Empire for over a thousand years, strategically located where Europe meets Asia.
Difficulty: EasyThis elderly eunuch general completed Justinian's conquest of Italy after Belisarius was recalled, defeating the Ostrogoths at the Battle of Taginae.
Difficulty: MediumThis emperor mutilated after a coup in 695 returned to power with Bulgar help in 705, ruling again until his murder in 711 during a chaotic period of instability.
Difficulty: HardThe Byzantine Empire was the continuation of this ancient civilization's eastern half, surviving for nearly a millennium after the western portion fell.
Difficulty: EasyThis 867 palace coup established the Macedonian Dynasty when a lowly Armenian stablehand murdered the reigning emperor and took the throne.
Difficulty: MediumThis architectural form, featuring a central domed nave flanked by barrel-vaulted arms, became the standard Byzantine church plan after the Iconoclast period.
Difficulty: HardThis Roman emperor founded Constantinople and made Christianity a legal religion, fundamentally shaping the future Byzantine state.
Difficulty: EasyThis 9th-century patriarch of Constantinople clashed with Pope Nicholas I, contributing to tensions that would culminate in the Great Schism two centuries later.
Difficulty: Medium