Partition of the Byzantine Empire: What Happened
In 1204, after conquering Constantinople, the leaders of the Fourth Crusade and Venice divided the Byzantine Empire among themselves according to an agreement known as the Partitio Romaniae, or Partition of Romania, the name Westerners used for the Byzantine lands. They had agreed on the principles of the division even before attacking the city. A new Latin emperor would rule a quarter of the empire, including most of Constantinople, while the remaining three quarters would be split between the crusaders and Venice. Baldwin of Flanders was elected Latin emperor. The crusader leaders received lands in Thrace, Asia Minor and Greece as feudal territories. Venice, guided by Doge Enrico Dandolo, cleverly took the islands and ports that mattered most for its trading empire, including parts of Constantinople, Crete, and strategic harbors in the Peloponnese and Aegean. Much of the empire, however, had not actually been conquered. The division had to be enforced by war, and Byzantine Greeks set up their own states in Nicaea, Epirus and Trebizond to resist the Latins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was the Byzantine Empire divided in 1204?
Under the Partitio Romaniae, a new Latin emperor received a quarter of the empire, while the rest was split between the crusader leaders and Venice.
What did Venice gain from the partition?
Venice took the islands and ports that mattered most for its trade, including parts of Constantinople, Crete and strategic harbors in the Peloponnese and Aegean.
What does Romania mean in the Partitio Romaniae?
Romania was the name Western Europeans used for the lands of the Byzantine Empire, whose people called themselves Romans. It is unrelated to the modern country.
Was the whole empire conquered in 1204?
No. Much of the empire had not been conquered, and the division had to be enforced by war. Byzantine Greeks set up states in Nicaea, Epirus and Trebizond.
Who became the first Latin emperor?
Baldwin of Flanders was elected the first Latin emperor of Constantinople and crowned in Hagia Sophia in May 1204.
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