The Byzantine Empire
What was the capital of the Byzantine Empire?
Constantinople
How far east of Rome was Constantinople located?
Over 800 miles east of Rome
Who was Justinian I?
Before Justinian’s Code, what problem existed with the Roman laws?
There were too many old and confusing laws.
What was one major language difference between Christians in the East and the West?
They spoke different languages—Greek in the East, Latin in the West
What was a major reason for the Byzantine Empire's success in trade?
Its location between Europe and Asia along major land and sea trade routes.
Why was Constantinople's location important?
The city was surrounded by water on three sides.
Where were Justinian and Theodora when the rebellion began?
The Hippodrome
Who helped Justinian create the new law code?
A group of legal experts.
Who was in charge of the Church in the West?
The Pope.
Around what year did the Byzantine Empire begin?
About 500 C.E.
What was one way the Byzantines protected the harbor from enemy ships?
They used a large chain to block the harbor.
Why was Theodora important to Justinian’s success?
She advised him and helped him make important political decisions
What was one way Justinian’s Code helped strengthen the government?
It made laws clearer and easier for everyone to follow
Who was in charge of the Church in the East?
The Byzantine emperor worked with the Patriarch.
Name one major architectural achievement of the Byzantine Empire. (It's a church)
The Hagia Sophia
What were the names of the two rival chariot racing teams in Constantinople?
The Blues and the Greens.
What did Justinian build to improve the city?
Bridges, baths, parks, roads, and hospitals
How did Justinian’s Code treat women differently than before?
It gave women more rights to own property
What disagreement began the conflict over icons?
The East banned icons; the West supported using them.
What continent was NOT part of the Byzantine Empire at its peak—Europe, Asia, Africa, or South America?
South America
Why was life in Constantinople more comfortable than in most parts of Western Europe?
The city had hospitals, sewer systems, and social services like homes for the elderly
Why did Justinian rebuild Constantinople?
He wanted to make the city grander after it was destroyed in the rebellion
How is Justinian’s Code still important today?
It influenced many modern legal systems around the world.
The Great Schism split Christianity into two churches. What were the two churches it split into?
Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic