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History of Constantinople
Byzantium Rome divided Founded by
Constantine, in 330 AD
Divine order or strategic location?
Western Rome declined, then collapsed
Constantinople took its place
Geography of Constantinople
“Golden Horn” Harbor Controlled
Bosporus Strait Surrounded by
water Access to Black &
Mediterranean Seas
Trade crossroad between Europe & Asia
Constantinople = “New Rome”
Rulers saw themselves as Roman
1000 years after Rome “fell” Constantinople flourished
Carried on “glory of Rome”
Center for: Law History Architecture Classical
scholarship
Constantinople compared w/ Rome
Byzantine culture influenced by Rome
City modeled on Rome
Built on seven hills Buildings/structures
reflected Roman influence
Stronger tradition of absolutism & monotheism
Constantinople vs. Rome
Retained but relaxed many of Roman rules & customs Bread & Circuses continued Army followed Roman traditions Class-based standards of punishment Different dress for rich & poor Some mobility in social hierarchy Emperors chose officials based on merit not
hereditary social class Byzantine Senate not as rigid & powerful as Rome
Constantinople: Heir to Rome
Bridge between ancient & modern Europe
Christianity, Roman customs, Greek classical culture all survived, blended, flourished
preserved Ancient Greek literature & philosophy
Greek was official language-required for citizenship
Preserved/codified Roman legal traditions
Who was Justinian?
527 -565 AD Classical education-law,
music, architecture, theology
Devout, stubborn Ambitious, military
leader Wanted to regain lost
Roman territory Taxed the people
heavily
Justinian = “New Caesar?
Regained Roman lands
Political & Religious Leader
Absolute Rule-brutal
Chose people based on ability not wealth
Appointed & dismissed bishops
Justinian
Throne was built large enough for two
Symbolized the Emperor’s partnership with Jesus
Leader of all military, made laws, headed the government & church, was supreme judge
Primary Source “For he was … villainous
and … a moron. He was never truthful … easily hoodwinked by any who wanted to deceive him. His nature was an unnatural mixture of folly and wickedness.”
Procopius [c.490/510-c.560s]
What were Justinian’s Contributions to Law and Public Works?
Many construction projects-churches, bridges, roads, monasteries, forums, forts
Most famous- Church of Holy Wisdom-Hagia Sophia
Life in “New Rome”
Christian Roman
tradition but unique
Spoke Greek not Latin
Wealthy Trade and
commerce flourished
Justinian’s Code Reformed old Roman Law Four Parts:
The Code- Roman Laws that were still useful
The Digest- quoted and summarized opinions of Rome’s greatest legal thinkers
The Institutes- textbook that instructed students on how to use the law
The Novellae- New laws after 534 AD
Justinian’s Code Combined Greek &
Roman legal traditions
Process took six years
Inspired the word “justice”
Justian’s Code Regulated
marriage, slavery, property, inheritance, women’s rights and criminal justice
Served the empire for 900 years
Influenced European and American law
The Imperial Capital
Rebuilt fortifications
14-mile stone wall along the coastline
Many Churches Enlarged
palace Baths Aqueducts Law courts Schools Hospitals
Preservation of Greco-Roman Culture
Classical learning Greek Latin Philosophy Literature - Homer Euclid - geometry Herodotus –
history Galen - medicine
Hagia Sophia Over 12,000
workers to complete
Major feature was its huge dome set on top of a rectangular base
Very ornate, mosaics
Theodora Advanced her friends,
destroyed her enemies Justinian changed
marriage laws to marry her
Social welfare programs for poor and homeless girls
Expanded women’s rights-convinced Justinian that women should own land
Helped save the empire during the Nika Revolt of AD 532
Theodora Justinian’s wife Intelligent,
adventurous, influential, wise & politically savvy
Born into lower classes
Father was the bear-keeper for the circus
Dancer/actress courtesan
What was the “Nika” Rebellion Horse racing
fans sparked citywide riots against government
Justinian’s troops slaughtered 30,000 rebels in Hippodrome
Justinian wanted to flee, Theodora said…
Theodora said… "My opinion then is that the present time, above all others,
is inopportune for flight, even though it bring safety. . . . For one who has been an emperor it is unendurable to be a fugitive. May I never be separated from this purple, and may I not live that day on which those who meet me shall not address me as mistress. If, now, it is your wish to save yourself, O Emperor, there is no difficulty. For we have much money, and there is the sea, here the boats. However consider whether it will not come about after you have been saved that you would gladly exchange that safety for death. For as for myself, I approve a certain ancient saying that royalty is a good burial-shroud." When the queen had spoken thus, all were filled with boldness, and, turning their thoughts towards resistance, they began to consider how they might be able to defend themselves if any hostile force should come against them. . .
Procopius [c.490/510-c.560s]
Problems in The Empire
Justinian died Street riots Religious quarrels Palace intrigues Foreign dangers
What was “Greek Fire”
Developed by Navy Chemical mix-ignited
when it came into contact with fire
Secret weapon-exact mixture still unknown
Similar to Napalm