Post Classical Civilizations:

1. Post Classical Civilizations: The Byzantine Empire 330-1453

2. 330, Emperor Constantine moved to the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to Byzantium, a Greek city in the eastern part of the empire. • He renamed the city Constantinople. • It was located on land routes that connected Europe and Asia, on the Bosporus—a waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Mediterranean, surrounded by water on 3 sides with thick walls surrounding the city, protecting it. The Byzantine Empire

4. When the western half of the Roman Empire collapsed in the 5th century, the eastern half survived another 1000 years. • Continued the Roman Empire. • Byzantine Emperors were all-powerful, like Roman Emperors. • Imperial system of government over a diverse population. • Because it was in the east, most of the merchants and people spoke Greek and eventually Greek replaced Latin as the official language. A Byzantine Culture Emerges

5. United by their own form of Christianity—Eastern Orthodoxy—which was separate from the Catholic Church. • Orthodox Christians did not recognize the Pope as the head of their church, but had a Patriarch. • Orthodox churches were decorated with icons—images of Jesus and saints. • Other differences were their views on the Trinity and the shape of the cross they displayed in their churches. A Byzantine Culture Emerges

7. Developed a vibrant culture. • Built the Church of Hagia Sophia with its giant dome and tall spires. • Schools taught Ancient Greek texts. • Used precious materials—gold, silver, and ivory—in their images, and were known for their colorful icons and mosaics (pictures made with pieces of cut stone and glass). A Byzantine Culture Emerges

9. The early empire ruled the Balkan Peninsula, the Middle East and parts of Italy. • Under Justinian, it reconquered much of the old Roman Empire. • The Code of Justinian was one of the greatest accomplishments of the Byzantine Empire. • Justinian collected all of the Roman laws and organized them into a single code that listed all the laws and opinions on each subject. • Also had special laws to religion and required all person to belong to the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith. A Byzantine Culture Emerges

11. Look up the Code of Justinian: On Bringing an Action to Court. • What legal principle do these sections share? • Why was the Code of Justinian such an important legal advance? Notebook Assignment