Rome in the 6th century

Timeline

1. 501–535Rome · ItalyIn the early 6th century Rome held a special position in the Ostrogothic Kingdom of Italy; Theodoric and his successors respected the pope and senatorial traditions. The population had shrunk greatly from the empire's height, many ancient temples and baths were abandoned, but Christian buildings such as St. Peter's Basilica became new centers.
2. 535–553Rome · ItalyByzantine generals Belisarius and Narses campaigned in Italy; Rome was repeatedly besieged and sacked (especially in 546 and 549). Water systems and classical buildings suffered further damage, the population plummeted, and the city's transformation from ancient metropolis to medieval religious center accelerated.
3. 553–600Rome · ItalyAfter Byzantine reconquest of Italy in 553, Rome was nominally under the Exarchate of Ravenna but in practice the pope directed the city's religious and social affairs. Aftereffects of the Plague of Justinian and war damage shrank the city's economy, and the church became the main institution for grain distribution and refuge.