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The complete archive of articles from Vertex Digest. Sorted by the most recently published.
The Battle of Manzikert: How a Single Day of Betrayal Cost Byzantium an Empire
In 1071, a catastrophic military defeat plunged the Byzantine Empire into chaos. But the real cause wasn't a superior enemy; it was a poison that had been festering within the heart of Constantinople for decades.
The Lost Secret of Greek Fire: The Ancient Superweapon That Saved an Empire
It burned on water, clung to flesh, and saved Constantinople from destruction. Dive into the mystery of Greek Fire, the Byzantine superweapon whose secret formula remains one of history's greatest unsolved puzzles.
The Varangian Guard: The Viking Mercenaries Who Protected Constantinople
They carried massive axes, hailed from the frozen North, and were the most trusted men in the Golden City. Discover the epic saga of the Varangian Guard, the elite Viking bodyguards of the Byzantine Emperors.
The Great Schism of 1054: The Full Story of Why Christianity Split
For centuries, the two hearts of Christianity drifted apart. In 1054, the final break occurred, a dramatic split that continues to shape the world today. This is the full story of the Great Schism.
Byzantine Iconoclasm: Inside the Empire’s Century-Long War on Images
For over a century, the Byzantine Empire waged war on itself over a simple question: can you depict God in art? Discover the story of the Iconoclasm controversy, a violent struggle over faith, power, and the 'technology' of worship.
Beyond the Fall of Rome: Why the 'Other' Roman Empire Still Matters
We often think Rome fell in 476 AD, but the Eastern Empire thrived for another millennium. From the foundation of modern law to the spark of the Renaissance, discover seven profound ways the Byzantine legacy still shapes our world today.
Justinian the Great: The Emperor Who Built the Golden Age (And Almost Destroyed It)
He built the Hagia Sophia, reconquered Rome, and codified the laws that shape our world. But Justinian's ambition came with a devastating price. Explore the triumphs and tragedies of the Byzantine Golden Age.
A Complete History of the Byzantine Empire: The 1000-Year Legacy of Rome
When Rome fell, its eastern half didn't just survive—it thrived for another millennium. Discover the epic story of the Byzantine Empire, the true inheritor of Rome's power, glory, and legacy.
After the Fall: The Enduring Legacy of Rome and the Catholic Church
When the Western Roman Empire collapsed in 476 CE, it left a power vacuum that shaped the next thousand years. This is the story of how one Roman institution didn't just survive, but used the empire's skeleton to build a new world.