CChronica Maps

Map of Europe in AD 500

This border map shows Europe and the Mediterranean in AD 500 (era: Early Middle Ages). The largest states on the map were Sasanian Empire, Eastern Roman Empire and Visigoths. The map stays in use until the next border change recorded in AD 600.

Map of Europe in AD 500 showing state borders
Border map for AD 500. See Europe in AD 500.

Open Europe in AD 500 in the interactive map

States on the map in AD 500

Areas are approximate and cover each state's whole territory, including land outside the map frame.

StateApprox. area
Sasanian Empire3.49 million km²
Eastern Roman Empire1.93 million km²
Visigoths590,000 km²
Ostrogoths560,000 km²
Vandals350,000 km²
Franks320,000 km²
Burgundians120,000 km²
Saxons110,000 km²
Suebi100,000 km²
Anglo-Saxons80,000 km²
Thuringians70,000 km²
Western Roman Empire60,000 km²
Basques60,000 km²
Swedes20,000 km²
Armorica20,000 km²

Rulers in AD 500

RealmRulerReign
ByzantiumAnastasius I491–518
Franks / HRE / GermanyClovis I481–511

Key events, AD 500 to AD 599

YearEventWhere
AD 537Hagia Sophia completedIstanbul
AD 568The Lombards invade Italy

← Europe in AD 400Europe in AD 600 →

Part of the era: Early Middle Ages. See also the world in AD 500.