Chapter 9 Section 1
Key Questions
The Byzantine Empire
1. Describe the city of Constantinople.
It is the “cross roads” to the Byzantine Empire. It is surrounded by land & sea making it a key port and trade city. It is very wealthy, surrounded by high walls and many of the buildings have beautiful golden domes.
Constantine Creates a “New Rome”
2. What happened to the Western Roman Empire?
Germanic invaders pounded the empire.
3. What did Roman emperor Constantine do as a result?
They shifted their base to the east. They Rebuilt the Greek city of Byzantium.
4. What was the original name of Constantinople and why was the name changed?
Byzantium was the original name and it was renamed Constantinople after Constantine.
Constantinople Grows
5. Where was Constantinople located? What made it such a great city?
Constantinople was located between the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. It has great harbors and is guarded by water and land defensive walls. It was a key city for trade.
6. Describe how people lived in the city? Was it a wealthy city or a poor city?
It was a very wealthy city with huge market places , glittering splendor and people dressed in expensive silk clothing.
Blending of cultures
7. What cultures came together in the city of Constantinople?
Greek, Roman & Christian
Byzantium Flourishes Under Justinian
8. Who was the emperor during the peak of the Byzantine empire?
Justinian
9. What was Justinian determined to do?
He was determined to revive ancient Rome by recovering lands overrun by invaders
`10. What was the positive outcome of Justinian’s conquest? ( lands gained?) What was the negative outcome of Justinian’s conquest? ( cost?)
Positive side: He regained key lands
Negative side: War is expensive so they weakened the treasure and soldiers were tired
The Great City is Rebuilt
11. What happened in 532 AD?
Riots and fire swept through Constantinople and destroyed the city.
12. What did Justinian do as a response?
He rebuilt and restored the city making it grander than ever!
Justinian’s Code Has Far-Reaching Effects
13. Explain what the “Body of Civil Law” was and why it was so important to society.
It is Justinian’s Code which were re-written ancient Roman laws that Justinian changed to fit his society. They become the foundation of law for hundreds of years.
Justinian Rules With Absolute Power
14. How did Justinian chose to rule his empire?
He wanted unity under his control. He ruled as an Autocrat or one ruler with all the power.
Economic and Military Strength is Second to None
15. Under what type of government did the Byzantine empire flourish?
A strong central government which had strict control
16. Explain how the Peasants were the backbone of the empire.
They worked the land, paid taxes and were soldiers in the military
17. How did the Byzantine empire ( eastern empire) compare economically to the Western empire?
The west struggled financially and was very poor while the east flourished and was extremely wealthy.
18. Describe the Byzantine military.
The military included soldiers, ships and sailors. They had a secret weapon they called “Greek Fire”
The Empire’s Fortunes Changed
19. Describe what happened the years after Justinian’s death. ( 600’s-700’s)
The empire was attached by Persians, Vikings and other groups. The city did the best they could to be a buffer and prevent the spread of Muslim conquest but eventually Arab armies conquered the city.
East and West Differ
20. Describe ways in which eastern and western Christianity were similar and different.
East- Emperors had control over church affairs and appointed the patriarch of the church. They also rejected the popes claim of authority over all. In the East they could marry. Used Greek as the key language
West- Could not marry and used Latin as the key language
The Church Divides
21. What were the different branches of Christianity fighting about?
The use of Icons or holy images.
22. What happened in 1054 AD?
The Great Schism or the split in Eastern ( Greek Orthodox) and Western ( Roman Catholic) church.
The Empire Suffers Crisis and Collapse
23. What were some of the problems leading to the empires decline?
Struggles over succession, constant wars and Turk invasions
The Crusades Lead to Plunder
24. Why did the Emperor call for help in 1090?
To fight off the Muslims who were blocking the pilgrimage route to Jerusalem
25. Describe the rivalry the Crusades started.
Trade rivalries between the Byzantine Empire and Venice
Constantinople Falls to the Turks
26. Describe the events of 1453.
Ottoman forces surrounded the city of Constantinople attacked the walls. This siege lasted 2 months and the forces took over the city and killed the emperor.
27. What was Constantinople renamed? What did it become?
It was re-named Istanbul and became the capital of the Ottoman Empire
The Byzantine Heritage
28. What had the Byzantine empire done for culture?
It built the culture of theHellenistic world by blending Christian beliefs with Greek science, arts, philosophy and literature. It also extended Roman culture.
Unique Contribution in the Arts
29. Describe the art that came out of the Byzantine empire.
Religious Art
The World of Learning
30. What were some of the great accomplishments of the Byzantine scholars and historians?
Preserved the works of the ancient Greek writers and wrote historical books
31. Where did many of the Byzantine scholars go when the empire fell?
They went to teach at Italian Universities