The Byzantine Empire The Growth of Byzantine Power The Byzantine Empire was the former Eastern Roman Empire with Constantinople as the center of the empire. Located on the shores of the Bosporus. Protected by excellent harbors, water on three sides, and defensive land and sea walls. Center point of key trade routes linking Europe and Asia. Hippodrome – reminder of Roman heritage – Blended ancient Greek, Roman, Christian, and Mediterranean cultures.

The Byzantine Empire The Age of Justinian Ruled from 527 to 565 which was the height of the Byzantine Empire. Conquered a large amount of land and revived ancient Rome. Hagia Sophia – immense church – part of the program to beautify Constantinople. Justinian’s Code – collection of all the laws and legal writings of ancient Rome. Used by later medieval societies, the church, and legal thinkers.

The Byzantine Empire The Age of Justinian Ruled as an autocrat with complete authority over the government and the church. Strong central government with a thriving money economy (bezant) helped Constantinople withstand attacks from the Persians, Slavs, Vikings, and Mongols. A majority of the people were peasants who worked the land, paid taxes, and joined the military.

The Byzantine Empire Byzantine Christianity The Byzantine Emperor controlled church affairs and appointed a Patriarch, which is the highest church official. Byzantine Christians rejected the Pope’s authority. Byzantine priests kept the right to marry, the mass was in Greek, and the chief holy day was Easter. Due to conflicts over the use of icons and authority, the Greek Orthodox and the Roman Catholic Church split (schism).

The Byzantine Empire The Collapse of the Byzantine Christianity Power struggles over succession. Wars and the impact of the Crusades. Foreign Invaders – Seljuk Turks, the Normans, and the Ottoman Turks – Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks and renamed Istanbul – center of Muslim culture.

The Byzantine Empire The Byzantine Heritage Symbol of Roman civilization. Blend of many different cultures which led to achievements in art, architecture, law, science, philosophy, education, and history. Procopius and Anna Comnena (1 st female historian). Made many contributions to the European Renaissance

The Rise of Russia Geography – Eurasian plain that extends from Europe to China Three zones:  Northern forests – lumber, fuel, animals (fur)  Fertile land to the south (Ukraine) – home to the first Russian civilization  Southern steppe – open grassland – animals and migration Network of rivers:  Dnieper and Volga

The Rise of Russia Kiev – Combination of different peoples (Slavs & Varangians) Center of the trade network - first Russian state Heavy Byzantine influence over the area  Trade  Christianity & Language – Cyril and Methodius adapted the Greek alphabet to use to convert the Slavs - Cyrillic  Art, music, architecture  Russian rulers also controlled the church Golden age under Yaroslav – laws similar to Justinian’s Code.

The Rise of Russia The Mongols – Genghiz Khan & the Golden Horde conquered much of central Asia Tolerant rulers if tribute was paid and power was acknowledged Converted to Islam Believed in rule by absolute power – a concept used by later Russian rulers

The Rise of Moscow The Rise of Moscow – Located along major trade routes – Capital and major political and religious center Defeated the Golden Horde Ivan the Great (Ivan III) –  controlled much of northern Russia  Limited the power of the Boyars (great landowning nobles)  Influenced by the Byzantine Empire  Took the title of Czar

The Rise of Moscow Ivan the Terrible (Ivan IV) – Extreme Absolute Power  Increased centralized power – Type of Feudalism  Very unstable, violent, and paranoid  Organized the Oprichniki Time of Troubles – 1604 to 1613  Period of disorder which lasted until Michael Romanov was appointed Czar and established the Romanov Dynasty

Shaping Eastern Europe Characteristics – History shaped by frequent wars, revolutions, and foreign conquests. Enriched culture due to the diverse mix of peoples. Geography – “A Cultural Crossroads” Located between Central Europe and Russia and ranges from the Baltic Sea to the Balkan Peninsula. Much of the region lies on the European plain. Main rivers include the Danube and the Vistula.