The Rise of the Byzantine Empire

The Reign of Justinian Goal: To reestablish the glorious Roman Empire Reclaim lost land Got back nearly all of the Roman land Calls himself Caesar Why would he do this? Absolute Rule: Total Rule Head of Church and State How would this connection strengthen Justinian’s power? Building campaign in Constantinople Make it a glorious capital – rebuilding portions and taking on additional building projects The Reign of Justinian

Constantinople as Center of Trade Vendors selling goods from all over Asia, Africa and Europe. Plague – 542 – 700 A.D. Arrived on ships from India, which were infested with rats.

Constantinople Works on city fortifications Hagia Sophia – Church of Holy Wisdom Seen as symbol of the connection between Church and State. Hippodrome – arena where chariot races were held Nika Rebellion – Riots between Greens and Blues Dissatisfied with Emperor, call for him to be overthrown Justinian debates the idea of fleeing city, Empress Theodora convinces him to stay Sends in the Army and massacres all who oppose him

Constantinople

Hagia Sophia

Hippodrome

Justinian’s Code Code of Roman laws that was the basis of imperial law for the Byzantine Empire. Consisted of 4 Parts The Code – Roman Laws The Digest – Opinion’s of greatest legal minds The Institutes – textbook for law students The Novellae – New Laws Deal with many areas of life – marriage, slavery, property, inheritance, women’s rights, and criminal justice.

The Role of Theodora Justinian name her Empress upon their wedding. Would question her husband’s orders and pursued her own agenda. Diplomacy: Conducted negotiations Negotiated with Persians Domestic Issues Helped with natural disasters Dealt with women’s rights Built hospitals for the poor

Byzantine Culture Value Education Specifically Classical learning Preserves classical Greek and Roman work, during a time when Europe will forget its classical roots.

Crash Course: Byzantine Empire http://www.youtube.com /watch?v=3PszVWZNW VA&list=PLdrf77MAw- Ln71vpuLNc9rPXUkKNE a9Cc&safe=active