An Analysis of the Importance of the Route of Via Egnatia between Constantinople and Thessalonica Between the Seventh and Ninth Centuries

The Via Egnatia was an important route connecting Constantinople with Dyrrachium throughout the Roman and Byzantine Eras. Despite its importance, little is known about the route due to the lack of detailed studies, especially in the wider context of the Balkan region. Traditional studies of the textual sources portray Imperial control of the route being disrupted during the seventh century, but recovered during the eighth and ninth. This recovery has been debated; some credit the 780s as the first time that land routes were safe, but earlier dates have also been argued. However, secondary sources and archaeology suggest that a significant portion of the Via Egnatia between Constantinople and Thessalonica survived the seventh century, which provided the basis for the recovery of the rest of the route. Additionally, the presence of the church, followed by the evolution of Thema and kommerkiari during the seventh and eighth centuries strongly suggests that Byzantine administration swiftly developed along the route of the Via Egnatia once the recovery began. To demonstrate the importance of the Via Egnatia to Byzantine life in Thrace and Macedonia during the seventh to ninth centuries, this paper analyses historical sources and present day studies of the Balkan region. Additionally, the growth of Byzantine administration in Thrace and Macedonia during this period will be studied, allowing for further discussion of the return of Byzantine presence to the Balkans. Conclusions drawn will include the determination of the extent of Byzantine control of the Via Egnatia between Constantinople and Thessalonica in the seventh and eighth centuries, and potential military and civilian usage of the route. These conclusions will help determine the catalysts for the revival, as well as the revival’s duration, furthering our understanding of the importance of the Via Egnatia to Byzantine Thrace and Macedonia.