499 The Bulgarians invade Thrace.
502-505 Unsuccessful war with Persians, who take several provinces.
507 The “Long Wall” of Thrace is built to keep out the Goths.
514 Revolt of Vitalianus.
518 Death of Anastasius; Justin I, an illiterate Illyrian peasant, obtains the emperorship through the army. With him the empire enters on a new era. He prepares his nephew Justinian to succeed him..
527 Justinian created augustus.
528 Justin dies; Justinian I, “the great,” sole monarch. He is the chief figure of his time. His wife is the empress Theodora. He begins active warfare at once against the Arians, Jews, and pagans. Belisarius appointed commander-in-chief in the East.
529 First edition of the Justinian Code published.
530 Belisarius defeats the Persians at Dara.
531 Chosroes ascends the Persian throne.