1. The Byzantine Empire Today’s Title: Right there^
Today’s EQ: Why did the Byzantine Empire survive while other parts of the Roman Empire did not?

2. Where did the Byzantine Empire come from?
As we know, The Roman empire, divided in the late AD200’s, due to being weakened by internal and external forces.
We studied in depth, the reasons why the Roman Empire fell. While the western half of the old Roman Empire was going through Dark Ages full of unrest and invaders, power shifted to the eastern half of the Roman Empire which remained successful (but under a different name… the Byzantine Empire!).
East lives on
West falls

3. Geography:
The city of Constantinople, was surrounded by water on 3 sides.
Located on a strait connecting Black Sea and Mediterranean
From its central location, the city controlled key trade routes that liked Europe and Asia. As we know, trade is key for an empire’s economy!

4. Still thought of themselves as the Roman Empire
Official language would switch from Latin to Greek
Very rich and wealthy empire
By 330, the emperor Constantine, had built a new capital city in Constantinople on the site of the Greek city Byzantium. The Byzantine empire arose from this site.
His mission was to oversee the development of Christian faith within that empire (called it his divine right)
Later, he fought and defeated Licinus to become the only emperor of Rome
One of the first things he did when he
became the sole emperor was to abandon
Rome (located on the West) and build a new
capital city- located on the East (Byzantium)

5. Constantine:
Was important because he was the first Christian emperor and urged others to convert to Christianity as well!
After Constantine’s conversion to Christianity, he:
Made state funds go to churches
He made priests and other leaders exempt from certain public services
Enacted laws to restrict pagan worship and encourage people to convert to Christianity
Being a Christian became a big help if you wanted to move up the ranks of government
made Sunday a legal holiday
Included Christian holy days like Christmas and Easter on the official calendar
Allowed the use of violence against those Christian people and churches he considered unorthodox

6. At its height, the Byzantine empire covered an area from Rome through southeastern Europe and Asia Minor, down to Egypt and across North Africa.
Capital: Constantinople

7. The Byzantine empire reached its peak under the emperor Justinian
The Byzantine empire reached its peak under the emperor Justinian. Justinian took power in 527 AD and was a autocratic ruler, or single ruler with complete authority.
Not popular at start of his rule
High taxes
Cold, not very likeable

8. Government and Laws
Emperor Justinian became known for his collection of ancient laws known as Justinian’s Code. This written set of laws became the basis for today’s international laws and helped improve and preserve Roman laws.

10. Architecture:
In the area of architecture, Justinian blended Greek, Roman, Persian and Middle Eastern styles. The best known structure is the Church of Hagia Sophia whose name means “Holy Wisdom”
Outside
Inside

14. Culture and Religion Cultural Tradition from Greeks
Religion Based Culture
Christianity center of Byzantine art, education, and life
Byzantine Empire brings drastic Change for Christianity
Rome no longer important city to the Byzantine people and rulers
Lack of Contact between Pope in Rome, and the papacy in the East
Breakdown in authority over the church

15. Religion Continued
Religion in East controlled by ruling emperor and Patriarch
***Patriarch is a term for Lead Bishop in the East
Byzantine Emperors (government leaders) and Patriarchs often conflict with Pope (church leader)
For example: Pope claimed an Emperor had no religious authority to deal in issues of the Christian church
The emperor in response, claimed authority over religious decisions within his empire
Byzantines viewed Emperor as the decisive voice in Christian governance, and practice

16. The Great Schism
Issues continue between papacy in east and west over issues such as:
Pope’s authority over all matters of Christianity
Church’s right to tax the citizens of the Byzantine empire
Priest’s right to get married
Languages used in church services

17. The Great Schism 1054 AD the Christian Church Splits
The patriarch and Pope excommunicate each other
Papacy in eastern Byzantine empire forms the Eastern Orthodox church
Pope and western Byzantine empire churches remain the Roman catholic church

18. The two Churches Services Conducted in Latin
Roman Catholic
Eastern Orthodox
Services Conducted in Latin
Pope has authority over all bishops
Pope has authority over all kings and emperors
Priests can not marry
Services Conducted in Greek
Patriarch and other bishops head the church
Emperor has authority over Patriarch
Priests can marry

19. Decline
The decline of the Byzantine empire came with the onset of invading armies.
The final blow came at the hands of the Ottoman empire in 1453.
Other factors:
Black plague hit Empire during Emperor Justinian rein around 540 AD. This killed large percentage of population
From the Start of the Empire it was under constant attack
Over time Empire lost more and more territory

20. Song
Constantine (tune of Come on Eileen)

21. In the area of art, the Byzantine empire made great contributions
In the area of art, the Byzantine empire made great contributions. Icons were images of Jesus, the Virgin Mary and others. These icons were supposed the create the sense that the holy person was actually present.

23. Byzantine artists also developed Mosaics, pictures or designs formed by inlaid pieces of stone or other materials. Mosaics often displayed religious themes.

25. Think Boxes
Why are empires similar, even if they are far apart (Think Roman, Mayan, Aztec, Byzantine, etc.)
Why did the Byzantine Empire survive while other parts of the Roman Empire did not?