Byzantine Basics
The Byzantine Empire developed from what earlier empire?
Roman Empire
Who was one of the most famous Byzantine emperors?
Justinian I
What major religion was practiced throughout the Byzantine Empire?
Christianity
What empire eventually conquered Constantinople?
Ottoman Empire
A student sees the words Constantinople, Justinian, and Hagia Sophia. What empire is being described?
Byzantine Empire
What was the capital of the Byzantine Empire?
Constantinople
Who was Justinian's powerful and influential wife?
Empress Theodora
Constantinople was located between what two continents?
Europe and Asia
What year did Constantinople fall?
1453
Which geographic advantage helped Constantinople become wealthy?
Its location along major trade routes.
What modern-day city was once Constantinople?
Istanbul
What collection of laws was created under Justinian?
Justinian's Code
What famous church was built in Constantinople under Justinian?
Hagia Sophia
Who was the Ottoman ruler who conquered Constantinople?
Mehmed II
A historian studying Eastern Orthodox Christianity would most likely study which empire?
Byzantine Empire
What language became dominant in the Byzantine Empire?
Greek
Justinian's Code was largely based on the laws of what earlier civilization?
rome
Why was Constantinople's location important?
It controlled important trade routes between Europe and Asia.
What powerful weapon helped the Ottomans break through Constantinople's walls?
Cannons / artillery
How did the Byzantine Empire help preserve classical civilization?
It preserved Greek and Roman writings, laws, knowledge, and traditions.
The Byzantine Empire continued for nearly 1,000 years after what part of the Roman Empire fell?
Western Roman Empire
Why is Justinian's Code historically important?
It organized and preserved Roman law and influenced later legal systems.
What branch of Christianity became associated with the Byzantine Empire?
Eastern Orthodox Christianity
Why is the year 1453 important in Byzantine history?
The Ottomans captured Constantinople, ending the Byzantine Empire.
Constantinople's location contributed to BOTH its wealth and its defense. Explain how.
It controlled important trade routes and was protected by surrounding water and strong walls.