Byzantine Empire
RISE OF THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE
Factors that lead to the Rise of the Byzantine Empire Constantine Becomes Emperor of Rome Byzantium (Constantinople) becomes the capital of the Empire. Eastern Part of the Empire becomes the center of power.
Factors that lead to the Rise of the Byzantine Empire Roman Empire is divided. Western Roman Empire collapses in 476. Eastern Roman Empire becomes known as Byzantine Empire.
Factors that lead to the Rise of the Byzantine Empire Justinian becomes emperor. Byzantine empire reconquers North Africa, Italy, and southern Spain. Impressive buildings are constructed; law is reformed.
Its capital was Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey). The city of Istanbul today
A fun little Song about the Capitol and its changing name http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqjxxhi6 RwQ
How will you expand your empire? You are the new ruler of the Byzantine Empire. Through expansion, you hope to make the empire even greater. Military conquest is an option. Your diplomats might persuade other groups to join you. You also know that rulers of several countries outside your empire would like to see their sons or daughters marry into your family. Now you must consider the best way to enlarge your empire. What are the benefits and drawbacks of a military conquest? Why might you choose diplomacy, or intermarriage with an outside ruling family?
Contributions of Justinian
The reign of Justinian When Justinian became emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire in 527, he wanted to reestablish the empire in the whole Mediterranean World. His Empire included Italy, part of Spain, North Africa, Asia Minor, Palestine, and Syria.
Death of Justinian Three years after the death of the Justinian the empire was conquered and much of Italy and other areas were lost His most important contribution was The Body of Civil Law, in which he simplified Roman Law, called the Justinian Code Rebuilt Constantinople including Hagia Sophia
What religions would have been present in this empire? What problems could this have caused?
Justinian's conquests had left the empire with several problems: Too much territory to protect No money A decline in population because of the plague ** The biggest problem was the now unified Arab empire and the rise of Islam. The new empire in the Middle East was very strong and defeated the Byzantine empire taking back Syria and Palestine.
Justinian
A little more about the Byzantine Empire The empire was based on a Christian faith that was shared by most of the citizens. To honor the faith a great effort was undertaken to enrich church buildings, ceremonies and decorations
More about Constantinople It was the largest city in Europe during the Middle Ages The city had; an immense palace, hundreds of Churches, and a huge arena The city also included public works like: roads, bridges, public baths, law courts, schools and underground water reservoirs to hold the city s water supply
Role of Trade
More about Constantinople Until the 12 th century, Constantinople was Europe s greatest center of commerce (trade) Looking at the map why do you think this is true? What famous trade Route do you think ran Through this city?
More about Constantinople It was the chief center of trade between the east and the west. Constantinople was major site of crafts and industry Glass, linen, textiles, gems, jewelry, gold, and silver. During Justinian s reign of power two Christian monks smuggled silk worms from China Silk became a major industry as the demand for silk in Europe rose.
A bit about silk Click above to start the video
A fun video to review Rome
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me4e5wd CK2Q&feature=mfu_in_order&list=UL http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyhmqnp a8mm&feature=related Constantine.