1. Unit 4 - Byzantine Empire
Decline, Reasons for the Survival of the Byzantine Empire & The Byzantine Legacy

2. The Decline of the Byzantine Empire
The late Byzantine Empire continuously battled:
Slavs & Avars from the north
Persians Empire from the east
Islam from the south

3. The Decline of the Byzantine Empire
The empire declined further in the 11th century.
The Seljuk Turks (originally from Central Asia) defeated the Byzantine army in 1071 & took possession of most of Asia Minor.
Crusaders attacked the city in 1204
The Byzantines still controlled the Balkan Peninsula & survived for another 400 years.

4. The Decline of the Byzantine Empire
The empire declined further in the 11th century.
By the 1440’s, (because of constant attacks) the empire was reduced to a small area just around the city of Constantinople.
In 1453, Constantinople was finally conquered by the Ottoman Turks.

5. Reasons for the Survival of the Byzantine Empire
Classical Cultures
Benefited from a rich infusion of Greek, Roman, Christian & Middle Eastern cultures.

6. Reasons for the Survival of the Byzantine Empire
Location
Crossroads of Europe & Asia.
Because of the trade, Constantinople became very wealthy.

7. Reasons for the Survival of the Byzantine Empire
Strong Central Government
Ruled by a series of powerful emperors.
Strong centralized administration
A single set of laws.

8. Reasons for the Survival of the Byzantine Empire
Large Army
Government taxed merchants & peasants to support a large standing army.

9. The Byzantine Legacy Preserved Ancient Cultures
Preserved the rich heritage of classical civilizations including:
Greek Philosophy & science
Roman engineering
Copies of ancient texts were saved despite destruction in the west.

10. The Byzantine Legacy Code of Justinian
Justinian consolidated Roman Laws into a single legal code which served as a guide on most legal questions.
It greatly influenced later Western legal systems.

11. The Byzantine Legacy New form of Christianity
Eastern Orthodox Christianity was led by the Patriarch & the emperor of Constantinople rather than the Pope in Rome.

12. The Byzantine Legacy The Arts
Renowned for their mosaics, painted icons, gold jewelry & silks.
Hagia Sophia is considered one of the world’s most beautiful buildings.