Constantinople & Geography
Why was Constantinople’s location ideal for trade and defense?
Its location allowed control of trade routes and was easy to defend.
Who ruled the Byzantine Empire alongside Justinian?
Empress Theodora.
What was the Hippodrome used for?
Chariot races and public entertainment.
What was the Nika Revolt?
A violent revolt over taxes and government corruption.
What was Justinian’s Code?
A simplified and organized version of Roman law.
Which two continents does Constantinople connect?
Europe and Asia.
What was Theodora’s background before becoming empress?
She came from a humble background; her father was a bear keeper, her mother an actress.
What was the Mese?
The main street and marketplace of Constantinople.
What caused the decline of Constantinople’s population during Justinian’s reign?
The plague killed many citizens and weakened the economy.
Why did Justinian think a new law code was necessary?
Old laws were confusing; he wanted a single, clear code for the empire.
What body of water surrounded Constantinople on three sides?
The Sea of Marmara, the Bosporus, and the Golden Horn.
Who was Justinian’s brilliant general who helped expand the empire?
General Belisarius.
Name one good traded in Constantinople from another region.
Silk from China, spices from India, perfumes from Arabia, etc.
Which group finally conquered Constantinople in 1453?
The Ottoman Turks.
How has the Justinian Code influenced modern nations?
It influenced European legal systems and modern laws.
Who made Byzantium the new capital of the Roman Empire?
Emperor Constantine.
What advice did Theodora give Justinian during the Nika Revolt?
She told him to stay and fight, saying it was better to die as an emperor than flee as a coward.
What famous church did Justinian build?
The Hagia Sophia.
In what year did the Byzantine Empire reach its greatest size?
A.D. 565.
What aspects of Greek and Roman culture did Byzantines preserve?
Art, architecture, philosophy, and Roman law.
What natural feature helped protect Constantinople from land attacks?
Massive walls and natural water barriers.
How did Justinian strengthen the empire after the revolt?
He rebuilt Constantinople and reorganized the law code.
Why is the Hagia Sophia considered an architectural masterpiece?
Its massive dome, beautiful mosaics, and light-filled design.
Name the reason why the Byzantine Empire began to lose territory.
Continuous invasions and loss of territory to foreign powers.
What was the final legacy of the Byzantine Empire to the world?
Preservation of Greek and Roman knowledge and Christian culture.