1. The Byzantine Empire AD

2. Overview Only survivor of Classical Age Empire lasted 1100 years
Built huge structures still used today
Constantinople still major city today
Istanbul
Developed Orthodox Church

3. Early Byzantium Old Greek Colony
Made Roman capital by Constantine (330AD)
Later named after him
Originally part of Rome, grew independent

4. Rise to Power Split with Rome in 375
Weakened Western Roman Empire
Controlled grain production and trade routes
Greek official language

5. Government Hereditary Monarchy Emperor supreme authority
Head of the Church
Government produced strong military, distributed land, held wealthy accountable
Empire divided into military districts (Themes)
Generals appointed by Emperor

6. Justinian I Considered greatest Emperor Married prostitute
Tried to reconquer Rome failed
Established Justinian’s Code
Formed from Roman ideals
Led Byzantine Empire to world power

7. Economy and Culture Located on Mediterranean Sea Major trade route
Smuggled Silk Worms from China
Growth of Byzantine Silk Industry
Constantinople major trade center
Glassware, silver, jewelry, gold produced

8. Economy and Culture Greek common language
Orthodox Church official religion
Split with Roman Church in 1054 Icons
Emperor head of Church
appointed Patriarch