1. Decline of the Byzantine Empire Notes p. 326-328 http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_2EzEBbtDGmI/Ry0PHoWY9yI/AAAAAAAAAU0/EYCtgHaXut0/s1600-h/hagiasophia_fl.jpg

2. Some background… Pope crowned Charlemagne Roman Emperor on Dec. 25, 800. Byzantines furious b/c they believe that they are the only true Romans! Causes a huge split in the church became Eastern Orthodox

3. Lasted for 1,100 years Contributions: – Largest, richest, & most beautiful city of its time – People were most educated & creative in the world – Preserved Greek culture & Roman law (continued…) http://www.abcteach.com/free/g/graduationbluergb.jpg http://www.old-picture.com/europe/pictures/Constantinople-bridge.jpg

4. Contributions (continued): -Spread Christianity -Increased trade -New techniques in fine arts (looks illuminated) http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/atheneum/files/2007/06/ByzVirgPafsolype.jpg

5. Problems begin… Farmers made up army & got free land After awhile, not many were needed Land was taken away and farmers were no longer loyal http://www.clipartheaven.com/clipart/agriculture/barn_&_farmer.gif

6. Problems grow… Vikings threatening to attack City-state of Venice helps the Byzantines by defeating the Vikings In return, the Byzantine emperor gives them the right of tax-free business anywhere in the empire Venetian trade but Byzantines lost income http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_CSxTj1ny- Sc/Se3Qs4_PIGI/AAAAAAAAILk/AYUVou0zDg8/s200/money _clipart.gif

7. Problems grow fatal… Christians from the west & Muslims from the east attack Empire is reduced to a small area around Constantinople In 1453, Turkish armies w/guns & gunpowder attack & take over http://www.clker.com/clipart-26094.html