December 9, 2013 16 Days Until Christmas!! ♫♫♫It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas♫♫♫

The Byzantine Empire Essential Question(s): Where was the Byzantine Empire located? How did the Byzantine Empire come into existence? Why is the Byzantine Empire important? What are some of the major accomplishments and advancements that took place in the Byzantine Empire? How did the Byzantine Empire fall?

The Byzantine Empire The Byzantine Empire was the Eastern Roman Empire. Emperor Constantine (Roman Emperor from 312-337) moved the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to the Greek city of Byzantium, which he renamed Constantinople. Emperor Theodosius divided the Roman Empire in 395. The Western Roman Empire was ruled from Rome; the Eastern Roman Empire was ruled from Constantinople. When Rome fell in 476, the Eastern Roman Empire survived. Eventually it would become known as the Byzantine Empire.

Map of the Byzantine Empire

City Planning Activity Suppose that you were “President” of the United States-with unlimited power. For your own reasons, you decide to move the capital of the U.S. from Washington, D.C. to somewhere else (your choice). Develop a plan for moving/rebuilding the capital of the U.S. Why do you want to move the capital? Where will you move it to? Established city? New city? What services (Police, Fire, Hospitals, Water, Electricity, etc.) need to be established? What buildings need to be built? Monuments?

White House

US Capital Building

US Supreme Court Building

Lincoln Memorial Building

Lincoln Memorial

Washington Monument

Location of the Byzantine Empire The location of Constantinople helped ensure its success. Lay on the waterways between the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea Harbors offered safe shelter fro vessels of all types This also meant that it was located at the crossroads of trade between Asia and Europe Because it was located on a peninsula, Constantinople was easily defended Water on 3 sides and a wall on the fourth.

From “New Rome” to “New Culture” Originally, Constantinople was an extension of Rome-and Roman culture Public buildings and palaces were built in Roman style Oval arena (the Hippodrome) where chariot races and other events were held Political and social life were based on Rome Emperors spoke Latin and enforced Roman laws Poor received free bread and watched public shows Wealthy citizens-many who originally lived in Rome-lived in town or on large farming estates

From “New Rome” to “New Culture” Eventually, the Byzantine Empire became less Roman and more Greek Most Byzantines spoke Greek and identified with Greek history and culture Byzantine emperors and officials began to speak Greek Ideas of non-Greek peoples-such as Egyptians and Slavs (north-Russia), and Persia (east) became important These ideas and cultures blended to make a unique Byzantine culture

Reasons Byzantine Empire Is Important Kept alive the learning and progress that had been made during the Roman period Became a center of learning and culture all its own-which became hugely important in preserving and transmitting the ideas and beliefs of Rome as we will see.

Justinian and Theodora Read the material closely, using our reading strategies: circle main ideas, underline supporting details, box unfamiliar terms, comments /questions in margins. On the back, answer the following: What is the background of Justinian? Who was he, where did he come from, etc.? What is the background of Theodora? Who was she, where did she come from, etc. What was Justinian’s philosophy about the interaction of religion and state? What are some of Justinian’s greatest accomplishments? What is the Hagia Sophia? 1-3 paragraphs on your perception of them

December 12, 2013 Only 13 Days Until Christmas!!! ♫♫♫Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle All The Way♫♫♫

December 13, 2013 Only 12 Days Until Christmas!!! ♫♫Frosty the Snowman, was a Jolly, Happy Soul♫♫

Byzantine Society & Culture Objective: Understand and Explain Important Aspects of Byzantine Society and Culture

Byzantine Society and Culture Activity Reference pages 328-334 Choose an aspect of Byzantine Culture or Society Define/Describe-What is it? What part did it play? Illustrate-be creative! Compare to some aspect of modern society How alike/different May work in pairs (2 per group) Due tomorrow-Friday, December 13