ROMAN EMPIRE SPLIT. CONSTANTINOPLE In A.D. 330 an emperor named Constantine moved the capital of the empire from Rome to a new city in the east. -The.

ROMAN EMPIRE SPLIT

CONSTANTINOPLE

In A.D. 330 an emperor named Constantine moved the capital of the empire from Rome to a new city in the east. -The Greek city of Byzantium.

He called the new capital Constantinople.

Question 1

Why would Constantine move the capital of the empire?

Is this a good idea? Explain

DIVISION OF THE EMPIRE The next emperor, Theodosius requested to divide the empire into eastern and western parts

Western Capital-Rome Eastern Capital-Constantinople

Question 2

Why would Theodosius divide the empire? Is this a good idea? Explain

FALL OF THE WESTERN ROMAN

EMPIRE

When the Romans divided the empire, they also divided the army. The western half of the empire became too weak to stop invaders

Many Germanic tribes started taking over Roman land.

In A.D. 476, a Germanic general named Odoacer overthrew the western Roman emperor Romulus Augustulus (who was only 14!)

This is considered the end of the Western Roman Empire

THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE

The Eastern Roman Empire became known as the Byzantine Empire

It was its most powerful in the A.D. 500s.

CONSTANTINOPLE = THE NEW ROME

Advantages of Constantinople’s Location

Peninsula between the Black Sea & Aegean Sea

Fishing boats, trading ships, and warships could use its harbors

The seas around it made it easy to defend

Two major trade routes crossed through it, so traders from Asia to Europe sold goods there

Question 3

Why was Constantinople important to the Byzantine Empire?

BLENDING OF CULTURES

Roman Influence

Constantinople had many Roman-style buildings, including an outdoor arena for sporting events. It was called the Hippodrome.

Officials gave free food and entertainment to the poor.

People from many lands settled in the Byzantine Empire. Their different customs blended together to form a new culture.

Over time, the empire became less Roman and more Greek. Most Byzantines spoke Greek, so officials and emperors learned to speak Greek too.

Question 4

Explain how cultural diffusion occurred in the Byzantine Empire

JUSTINIAN’S RULE

A.D. 527-A.D. 565

A forbidden love

Justinian Bio Justinian’s uncle, Justin, provided Justinian with an excellent education at a school in Byzantium. When his uncle became emperor, he adopted Justinian and made him his chief advisor and later, co-ruler. In A.D. 527 he died, and Justinian became emperor

Theodora Bio Theodora was a member of

a lower social class. Justinian could not marry her: it was illegal

for people of lower classes to marry nobles. Justinian’s uncle Justin, who was the emperor, changed the law so that the couple could marry. HOW

ROMANTIC!

ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THE POWER COUPLE

JUSTINIAN

Emperor Justinian ruled the Byzantine Empire when it was at its most powerful.

He was a skilled general and strong leader. He controlled the military and made the laws.

Justinian ordered a group of scholars to organize the laws and make them simpler & better.

The new laws were easier for people to understand and follow.

Became known as Justinian Code

THEODORA

Theodora helped Justinian rule the empire such as choosing government officials.

Theodora also helped women gain more legal rights such as granting women the right to own land. Wahoo!

When angry taxpayers rebelled in A.D. 532, her wisdom helped stop the crisis.

–Empress Theodora From “The Nika Riot,” by Procopius

“ May I never be separated from this purple (royal color), and may I not live that day on

which those who meet me shall not address me as mistress. If, now, it is your wish to save

yourself, O Emperor, there is no difficulty. For we have much money, and there is the sea, here

the boats. However consider whether it will not come about after you have been saved that you would gladly exchange that safety for death. For as for myself, I approve a certain ancient saying

that royalty is a good burial-shroud.”

What is Theodora saying here? What does this say about her character?

Primary Source

Question 1

Why was Theodora an important part of Justinian’s rule?

JUSTINIAN’S CODE

What similarities do you see between Justinian’s

Code and American Laws?

What similarities do you see between Justinian’s

Code and American Laws?

BYZANTINE ART

Justinian ordered the building of the Hagia Sophia

This church became the religious center of the empire.

It still stands today

The Hagia Sophia was decorated with mosaics. Most

mosaics showed figures of saints-Christian holy people.

Some honored Byzantine emperors

Question 2

What elements of Roman architecture can be found in the Hagia Sophia?

MILITARY CONQUESTS

Justinian longed to restore the Roman Empire

He began using a cavalry in the army (groups of soldiers on horses)

Justinian’s army conquered the invaders who had taken lands from the Western Roman Empire. He gained back Italy, Spain, parts of Africa, and even conquered the Persians.

Question 3

In your opinion-Was it a wise choice for Justinian to reconquer parts of the Western Roman Empire?

JUSTINIAN'S PLAGUE

The conquests of Justinian’s army were short lived

During the mid 500s, a deadly disease known as “Justinian’s Plague” swept through Asia and Europe. The plague killed millions of people, including Justinian’s army.

In addition, the Byzantines did not have the money to support an army large enough to defend against the Persians in the east and protect the lands in west.

Most of the western territories that Justinian conquered were lost after his death.

Byzantine Empire Stations

Over the next two days, you will be working in groups to dive deeper into the world of the

Byzantine Empire.

Your group will be analyzing visuals, articles, primary sources, and secondary sources