The Byzantine Empire Chapter 12.3

Byzantine Empire – Roman empire outlasted the empire in the west Reasons for the Byzantine Empire survival Eastern Orthodox church united the people Constantinople (capital city) was easy to defend Great wealth

Constantinople Once known as Byzantium Center of trade Easy to defend Built by Constantine and modeled after Rome Population of around 600,000 people from all over the world – All of them considered themselves Romans Churches- helped the poor Relics – valued holy objects from the past

Justinian I Theodora Justinian’s Code Greatest emperor of the Byzantine Empire Macedonian – well educated – military leader Theodora Wife of Justinian – an actress from a poor family Helped him rule – more rights for women Helped him put down a revolt Justinian’s Code New law code that influenced many modern legal systems 3 parts Digest – decisions of the great roman judges Institutes – textbook for law students Novels – new laws made by Justinian

Public Works Hagia Sophia Belisarius Justinian built churches, bridges, monasteries, roads, and forts Hagia Sophia Church of “Holy Wisdom” P. 363 Religious center for the Byzantine empire It is a Mosque today Belisarius Justinian General that helped him conquer Italy, North Africa, and Spain Greek Fire – secret weapon – chemical mixture that burned when mixed with water

Eastern Orthodox Church Official religion of the Byzantine Empire Emperor was head of the church Patriarch of Constantinople – picked by the emperor to run the church Metropolitans – bishops Icons – religious images used in worship services Decline of the Empire Small farmers lost their land to rich landowners and didn't stay loyal to the emperor Venice began to control the trade – cut into the empire’s wealth Attacks from Christians in the west and Turkish Muslims in the east