The Rise of the Byzantines

The Rise of the Byzantines

Main Idea: The Eastern Roman Empire grew rich and

powerful as the Western Roman Empire Fell.

The Rise of the Byzantines

Lecture Focus: Think of your own community, how have

groups of people from different backgrounds contributed to its character.

The Rise of the Byzantines

Greeks made up the Empire’s largest group,

but many other peoples were found within the Empire.

Those included were Egyptians, Syrians, Arabs, Armenians,

Jews, Persians, Slavs and Turks…a very diverse group of

people

Why is Constantinople Important

Emperor Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to a new

city called Constantinople. Constantine's city became the capital of

the Byzantine Empire.

Why is Constantinople Important

By 500 C.E., Constantinople was thriving and had become one of the

worlds great cities.

Why is Constantinople Important

One reason for Constantinople’s success was its location, it lay on the water ways between the Black Sea (N E) and the Aegean Sea (S W)

Its harbors offered a safe shelter for fishing boats, trade ships and warships.

Why is Constantinople Important

Constantinople also sat at the crossroads of trade routes between Europe and Asia.

The trade that passed through made the city extremely wealthy.

Why is Constantinople Important

Constantinople had a secure land

location, lying on a peninsula, the city

could be easily defended.

Seas protected it on three sides and on the fourth side, a

huge wall was built to guard the city.

Why is Constantinople Important

Why is Constantinople Important

Why is Constantinople Important

Why is Constantinople Important

Later a huge chain was even strung across the city’s north harbor for greater protections.

Constantinople could not be taken by invaders easily.

Why is Constantinople Important

Why is Constantinople Important

Questions: What Roman Emperor moved his capital city?Emperor Constantine What was the name of this city?Constantinople What were the names of the two seas in which

this city was between?The Black Sea and the Aegean Sea What so perfectly protected the city from

invaders? Seas protected the city on three sides

and a huge wall on the fourth side

Influence of Greek Culture The Byzantines at first followed the Roman Ways. Constantinople was known as “New Rome” and

its public buildings and palaces were built in a Roman style.

Influence of Greek Culture The city even had an oval arena called

the Hippodrome, where chariot races and other events were held.

Influence of Greek Culture

Influence of Greek Culture Byzantine political and social life also were

based on that of Rome. Emperors spoke Latin and enforced Roman Laws.

Influence of Greek Culture The empire’s poor people received free bread

and shows of entertainment. Wealthy people lived in town or on large

farming estates…in fact many of these wealthy people had once lived in Rome.

Influence of Greek Culture As time passed, the Byzantine Empire became

less Roman and more Greek. Most Byzantines spoke Greek and honored

their Greek past.

Influence of Greek Culture

Influence of Greek Culture Byzantine Emperors and officials began to speak

Greek as well… Some ideas also came from the Egyptians and the

Slavs, though not as much as Greece.

Influence of Greek Culture Some other customs came from Persia into the

Byzantine Empire. All of these cultures blended together to form a

unique Byzantine Civilization.

Influence of Greek Culture

Between 500 C.E. and 1200 C.E., the Byzantines had one of the world’s richest

and most advances Empires.

Influence of Greek Culture Questions: What was Constantinople known as?“New Rome” As time passed the Byzantine Empire

became less Roman and more like ____________?

Greek What other countries and empires had an

influence on the Byzantine Empire?Egypt, Persia and Slavs

Influence of Greek Culture Reading Check:

Why do you think the Byzantine Empire had such a blending of such different

cultures?

Answer in 2-3 well written sentences…