1. The Byzantine Empire AD

2. Rise of the Byzantine Empire
Roman Emperor Constantine moves the capital from Rome to eastern city of Byzantium
Western half of old Roman Empire falls into “Dark Ages”
Eastern half of Roman Empire becomes Byzantine Empire

3. The New Roman Empire Still thought of themselves as the Roman Empire
Official language would switch from Latin to Greek
Very rich and wealthy empire

4. Geography of Constantinople
Water on three sides
Located on a strait connecting Black Sea and Mediterranean
Key trading location between Europe, Africa, and Asia

5. Byzantine Culture Cultural Tradition from Greeks
Religion Based Culture
Christianity center of Byzantine art, education, and life

6. Theodosian Walls Kept Constantinople safe from Foreign Invasion
Deterred Attila the Hun from ever entering City
Walls kept city from falling for another 1000 years after their construction

7. Theodosian Walls
Had three separate walls set up in layers to protect the city from invaders