The Middle East: 520–531 CE

Catastrophes and Renewed Conflict

The era from 520 to 531 CE in the Middle East is marked by significant natural and political upheavals. The devastating 526 Antioch earthquake profoundly impacts the Eastern Roman Empire, striking Antioch and surrounding regions in late May and resulting in approximately 250,000 deaths. This catastrophic event coincides with Ascension Day, significantly amplifying the casualties as many visitors from the countryside are in the city for celebrations. The earthquake causes considerable geological changes, including an estimated uplift of 0.7–0.8 meters in the port of Seleucia Pieria, rendering the harbor unusable due to subsequent silting. A destructive fire follows, raging for days and obliterating much of what the earthquake left standing. The region endures eighteen months of aftershocks, severely hindering recovery efforts.

The Iberian War and Diplomatic Outcomes

Concurrently, renewed geopolitical tensions between the Eastern Roman Empire and the Sassanid Persian Empire ignite the Iberian War (526–532 CE), centered around the strategically important eastern Georgian kingdom of Iberia. This conflict highlights ongoing Roman–Persian rivalry in the Caucasus region, with neither side securing an absolute victory. Eventually, both empires agree to the Treaty of Eternal Peace, which stipulates substantial concessions: the Roman Empire agrees to an annual tribute of eleven thousand pounds (approximately five thousand kilograms) of gold to Persia, reinforcing Persian dominion over Iberia while Rome acquires control over the coastal kingdom of Lazica.

Continuing Religious and Cultural Dynamics

Amid these disruptions, the period maintains its characteristic intellectual and religious vibrancy. The Eastern Roman Empire continues grappling with doctrinal controversies and internal religious tensions, exacerbated by disasters and external threats. Nonetheless, cities like Alexandria and Antioch remain significant centers of theological scholarship, contributing to ongoing religious discourse despite the era's adversities.

Thus, from 520 to 531 CE, the Middle East experiences profound turbulence marked by catastrophic natural events, intense geopolitical rivalries, and persistent religious divisions, shaping a landscape of resilience and diplomatic realignment in the early sixth century.