Justinian Code
The legal code of the Byzantine Empire, based on Roman law.
Constantinople
Rebuilt city on the site of ancient Byzantium by Constantine I; renamed Constantinople by Constantine who made it the capital of the Byzantine Empire.
Hippodrome
An arena in Constantinople with an oval track for horse and chariot races.
Hagia Sophia
The Cathedral of Holy Wisdom in Constantinople, built by order of Byzantine Emperor Justinian.
Nika Rebellion
Rebellion where chariot gangs rioted in 532 CE and tried to overthrow Justinian; Theodora convinces him to stay.
Serf
A medieval peasant legally bound to live on a noble’s estate.
Manor
A noble’s estate in feudal Europe.
Chivalry
A code of behavior for knights in medieval Europe, stressing ideals such as courage, loyalty, and devotion.
Bubonic Plague
Deadly disease that spread across Asia and Europe in the mid-14th century, killing millions of people.
Crusades
Expeditions in which medieval Christian warriors sought to recover control of Holy Land from the Muslims.