1. Exploring the transformation of the Roman Empire
From Rome to Byzantium
Exploring the transformation of the Roman Empire

2. Decline of the Roman Empire
Cause
Effect
Migrations and invasions of neighboring groups lead to border conflicts.
Rome’s army is spread too thin to easily defend its large border.
Maintaining a large, successful empire is expensive.
There are no more people to conquer for resources and slaves.
The character of the Romans themselves has changed as more non-natives become citizens.
There is a decline in the spirit of the Romans as they tend to care more about personal interests.

3. Emperor Constantine (287-337 CE)
Chi-Rho Sign
He began to support Christianity after his
victory at the Milvian Bridge.
This led to Christianity becoming the official
religion of the empire.
He moved the capital from Rome to Byzantium,
which he renamed Constantinople.
Constantinople was located in the eastern
part of the empire, which was safer
and closer to the “action”.
Arch of Constantine in Rome

4. Why Byzantium? Centrally located in the eastern empire
Safer from the attacks
occurring in the west
Located at the hub of several
important trade routes
Wealthy due to its location
Peninsula is easier to defend

5. Art Connections: When the capital of the Roman empire was moved to Byzantium (Constantinople), the people of the Byzantine empire still considered themselves Romans. Notice how some Roman art is similar to Byzantine Christian art.
Roman sculpture of Orpheus as a Good Shepherd
Byzantine icon of Jesus as the Good Shepherd

6. Can you guess what this Byzantine relief sculpture is trying to show?

7. Fall of the City of Rome Western Empire collapses Fell in 476 CE
Ends the dominance of the city of Rome
Empire shrinks and power fully shifts to
Constantinople in the east
Fell in 476 CE
Sacked by Theodoric the Goth
Last emperor was Augustulus

8. Emperor Justinian

9. Justinian (482-565 CE) Used his army to expand the Byzantine empire
to nearly the size of the original Roman one
Established a code of laws called the Justinian Code
Developed a strong economy based on the
beneficial location of Constantinople
Empress Theodora supported laws that were more
fair to women and people of varying social classes
Emperor Justinian and Empress
Theodora, who began their
reign in 527 CE
The red writing at the bottom of
this scroll indicates that it is an
official decree from the emperor.
The Greek writing on this scroll
was more widely used than Latin.

10. Signs of Byzantine Wealth
Silk Fabric
Silver Spoons
Gold and
enamel
devotional
pendant
Gold sealing
on parchment

11. Mosaics: Used to decorate wealthy homes during Roman times, mosaics were a complicated art form perfected by the Byzantines. Small pieces (tesserae) of colored stone, marble, gems, and glass were arranged to create pictures. Depending on the size of the pieces used, a mosaicist could cover up to fifteen feet of wall a day.
Mosaic of the Virgin Mary and Jesus
Mosaic of Empress Theodora

12. Christianity in the Byzantine Empire
Justinian and Theodora were both Christians.
They disagreed about certain religious ways.
People who followed other forms of Christianity
were protected.
Five hundred years later, the Christian church split
over the issue of icons.
Stole for a priest
Church items, such as lamps and crosses

13. Icons Holy pictures of Jesus and the saints
Used by people during prayer
Some Christians considered this idol worship.
Others felt icons were a good way to educate
people who could not read.
Icon of
St. George
Icon of the Church Fathers

14. Byzantine Legacy The Byzantine Empire lasted until 1453 when conquered
by the Ottoman Turks.
The Byzantines preserved
elements of the Roman world.
As a Christian empire, they
spread Christianity throughout
the region.
Justinian’s Code influenced
future European governments.
Remaining churches are still
used today or have been
converted into Muslim
mosques.
Icon of a Byzantine cross