Eastern Europe and the Byzantine Empire
From Roman to Byzantine Empire Western Rome fell to invaders Eastern half survives Not entirely Roman Christianity Greek speaking Byzantine Emperors Head of both the state and church
Justinian Byzantine Emperor Wanted to restore the old Roman Empire Expands the Empire Creates a uniform set of laws Justinian’s Code Influenced future law codes in Western Europe
Byzantine Economy Peasants Trade Foundation of the army and economy Drew wealth through foreign trade
Byzantine Church and Scholarship Emperor was head of Church Appointed Church officials Education State school system Widespread literacy Classic Greek art, architecture, and philosophy
Problems in the Empire Social Problems Generals gain too much power Fewer free peasants Challenges from the East and West Muslim turks take Anatolia Crusaders sack Constantinople during 4th Crusade