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The Byzantine Empire

Mr. ErmerWorld History; Miami Beach Senior High

Emperor Justinian When western Roman Empire collapses,

and was replaced by Germanic states, the eastern Roman Empire continues to exist Centered around Constantinople, later

renamed Byzantine Empire 527: Justinian becomes Emperor, wanted

to reestablish Roman Empire in Mediterranean

552: Roman Empire almost back to old boarders

Empire shrinks after Justinian’s death

Justinian’s Roman Empire

Justinian’s Contributions Eastern empire inherits complex legal

system Justinian set out to simplify the laws

The Body of Civil Law: The results of Justinian’s efforts, became basis for Byzantine law to 1453

Justinian’s code also influenced western law

Eastern Roman Problems After Justinian, empire is left with problems:

Too much land to defend Empty treasuries Decline in population due to plague Threats on its boarders

Muslim Arabs sweep through empire, taking more than half its territory ERE defeated at Yarmuk in 636, ceding control

of Syria and Palestine to Arab control 679: Defeated by Bulgarians in the north, losing

control of Danube River Valley

From Roman To Byzantine

Empire shrunk to include just Balkans and Asia Minor

Greek replaces Latin as official language

Emperor viewed as chosen by God, and his power was absolute

Emperor appointed the leaders of the Eastern church known as a patriarch

The emperor was the leader of both church and state, protecting the true Christian faith

Constantinople Europe’s greatest city until 1100s City grew rich facilitating trade b/w east

& west Justinian’s buildings dominate landscape

Hippodrome=arena for races and gladiators

Hagia Sophia: main church built in 537 The Hagia Sophia—Church of the Holy

Wisdom—is the most famous Byzantine building, today known as the Blue Mosque

The Hagia Sophia

New Success, New Troubles

Macedonian emperors bring new prosperity Rule from 867 to 1081, expand empire

Early success undone by political infighting Macedonians do not accept pope’s claim to be sole head of Christian faith 1054 Pope Leo IX and Patriarch Michael Cerularius excommunicate each other—causes schism

Seljuk Turks defeat Byzantines at Manzikert

On page 41, write and answer questions 1-5

Chapter 2, Lesson 5 Review