The Byzantine Empire

Chapter 2, Section 3

Standard 7.1.3:

Objective:

Students will learn that the Byzantine Empire preserved much of the information about the Roman Empire that we know today.

Emperors Rule from Constantinople

Why was Constantinople chosen as the new capital? Not as easy to attack

Good location for trade

Justinian

After the fall of Rome in 476, emperors wanted to regain control of Rome

Justinian was one of those emperors

Used armies to retake Italy and surrounding land

He was also passionate about law & the church

Reorganization of the law system = Justinian Code Helped to guarantee fair treatment for all

Although he made many advancements for the empire, he still had enemies.

Justinian’s wife, Theodora, kept Justinian from running away from Constantinople.

Also, helped Justinian to rule effectively.

The Empire after Justinian

The eastern empire declined after his death

Most of the land in the west that was reclaimed was lost again to invasion.

The eastern Byzantine Empire struggled to survive, but finally fell in 1453 to the Ottoman Turks.

Differences Between Western & Eastern Empires

Western Eastern

Name: Roman Byzantine

Language: Latin Greek

Philosophy: Roman Greek

Religion: Ceremonies in Latin Religious officials could

not marry

Ceremonies in Greek

Religious officials could marry

Eastern Orthodox Church

Govt: Emperor not as powerful

Only head of gov

Emperor had more power

Head of gov & church

Review: Checking for Understanding

True or False? • Justinian did not mind that Rome was no

longer part of the Roman Empire. • Justinian’s Code was a simplification of

Roman law designed to help guarantee fair treatment for all.

• After the death of Justinian in 565, the Byzantine Empire increased further in size and power.