World History Chapter 10

 Built on remains of Roman Empire  Emperor Justinian led the revival (and his wife Theodora helped)  He changed Byzantine law to improve women’s rights: 1. Man could not beat wife 2. Could sue husband 3. Could own property 4. Widows could raise children

 Justinian appoints Belisarius as commander of the army  Belisarius gained many territories in Med. Sea  After Justinian died, 50 years of civil war followed  Also invaders from Persia, Asia, and Europe took place  In the mid 600’s Muslims invaded  Justinian’s territory was reduced to Asia Minor, Southern Balkan peninsula, and part of Italy

 Despite this, Byzantine Empire still thrived for three reasons: 1. Political Strength: highly centralized government; well paid, loyal officials; arranged marriages 2. Military Strength: developed good infantry, cavalry, and engineers; gave soldiers land grants; created military schools 3. Economic Strength: because of trade, agriculture, and manufacturing, the East was the richest part of the Empire; Constantinople = 1 mill pop = lots of jobs; located on the Bosporus Straits was the center of trade

 Byzantines faith believed that rituals and doctrines of the faith were unimportant  Believed in icons – small religious pictures  Icons became outlawed but none obeyed and heresy developed (an opinion that conflicts with church doctrine)  Pope excommunicates (preventing certain people from church membership and functions)  In 1054, the church split with Roman Catholics remaining in the west and Greek Orthodox taking over in the east (See VIDEO on Orthodoxy in Russia) 2:15 VIDEO on Orthodoxy in Russia

 In the 1000’s, Seljuk Turks captured most of Asia Minor  The Empire asked for help from the west but they instead attacked  In 1453, Ottoman Turks captured Constantinople – the Empire fell

 Byzantine Empire had a strong influence on the Slavs  Kiev (capital of Rus from ) prospered because of its location for trade  Government: made up of a prince with a council of boyars (or nobles)  Vladimir I went religion shopping and picked Christianity  Kievan Rus’ developed agriculture and trade which led to social classes: 1. Princess (top class) 2. Boyars (nobles) 3. Artisans and Merchants 4. Peasants (largest class) 5. Clergy (separate)

 Began attacking Kievan Rus in 1237 and ruled until the 1400s  Taxed harshly  Lead by Genghis Khan  Leadership became weak over time  Eventually lost control of some areas including Moscow