Chapter 3, Lesson 2

The Byzantine EmpireIt Matters Because:

At the height of its power, the Byzantine Empire united people on three continents. Its

system of laws & strong leadership helped the empire flourish.

I. The New RomeA. After Roman Empire divided, Eastern

Empire soon became known as Byzantine EmpireB. Under Emperor Justinian, laws improved, arts flourished, empire grewC. Capital city Byzantium renamed “Constantinople” by Constantine

II. Geography of ConstantinopleA. Easy to defend

1. On peninsula between Black Sea & Aegean Sea2. Great Chain strung across harbor to prevent surprise attack

B. Center for trade1. Many harbors attracted fishing, trading, & war ships2. Known as the Crossroads of the World due to its location between Europe & Asia

III. Cultural InfluencesA. Resembled Rome early

1. Roman architecture - arches & domes2. Chariot racing arena called the Hippodrome

a. “hippos” - Greek for horse; “dromos” - Greek for race

3. Emperors spoke Latin

B. Greek influence soon replaced Roman1. Most citizens spoke Greek2. Emperors eventually began speaking Greek

C. Location led to influence from Middle East & E. Europe

1. Constantinople was unique blend of many nearby cultures

D. 500 - 1200, Byzantines were world’s greatest empire

1. Passed on Greek ideas of art & science, Roman ideas of law

& government2. Spread Christianity to E. Europe

III. Cultural Influences

IV. Justinian & TheodoraA. Justinian I known as “The Great”

1. Byzantine Emperor for almost 40 years2. Reformed law into the Justinian Code

B. Empress Theodora was wife of Justinian1. Helped Justinian rule & choose government officials2. Helped Justinian strengthen power as emperor & general3. Champion for women’s rights in Byzantine Empire

V. The Justinian Code

A. Byzantine law was disorganized, complicated, confusing

1. Justinian gathered legal scholars to reform the law2. Simpler law known as Justinian Code3. Justinian Code became foundation of all Western law

VI. Hagia Sophia

A. Hagia Sophia was an Orthodox church in Constantinople

1. Combined elements of Roman & Middle Eastern architecture

a. domes & arches (Roman)b. towers called minarets

2. Built as Orthodox Church3. Used as mosque when Muslims conquered Constantinople4. Exists as museum today

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia