1. The Survival of the Eastern Empire By Mr. Dayton

2. Power Shifts to the East The Rise of Constantine Constantine fought several rivals for control of the empire He began life as a pagan Belief in many gods By the time he became sole ruler (after great victory in 324), he had become a Christian

3. Power Shifts to the East The Rise of Constantine He moved the capitol from Rome to Byzantium Changed the name to Constantinople (today know as Istanbul, Turkey) Citizens thought of themselves as Romans Byzantine used by historians to describe the empire

4. Power Shifts to the East The New Capitol Strait that links Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea Between southeast Europe and southwest Asia Rick trade - because of waterways/harbors and caravan tracks

5. Power Shifts to the East The New Capitol Constantine use wealth to make as magnificent as Rome Easier to defend Because it was on a peninsula, most of the city was surrounded by water Thick walls and moat protected land Western Empire fell in 476 – Eastern (Byzantine) Empire survives

6. Justinian and Theodora Justinian is considered the first great Byzantine emperor He ruled for almost 40 years He was a peasant and followed his uncle in the army – battled his way to the throne Theodora’s father was a bear trainer in the circus – she became a performer Both talented, intelligent, and self-confident

7. Justinian and Theodora Justinian’s Conquests Dreamed of restoring Rome’s lost empire Won back most land along Mediterranean Did this for 30 years Many wars left empire with sever money problems Outsiders gradually chip away at the empire

8. Justinian and Theodora Justinian’s Legacy Greatest gift was the Justinian Code – the foundation for many legal systems In 532 an urban revolt challenged Justinian’s power He crushed the revolt gaining absolute power

9. Justinian and Theodora Justinian’s Legacy Revolt destroyed most of the city Launched a massive rebuilding project Greatest building was a church – Hagia Sophia (HAY jee uh soh FEE uh)