Byzantine Empire
Who was Justinian?
Byzantine emperor credited with expanding the Byzantine empire, reshaping religious and legal policy, and reforming architecture.
Who was Muhammad?
The Prophet and founder of Islam, who received revelations from God that became the Qur'an. Conquered Mecca and Medina as Islamic states.
Who was the leader and organizer of the First Crusade?
Pope Urban II
Who was Charlemagne, and what was his role in Medieval history?
Frankish king who was named the first Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Leo II. He united much of Western Europe, and reformed religious practice, education, and administration in his kingdom.
What was the name of Justinian's wife and co-ruler (the first Byzantine empress)?
Theodora
The holy book of Islam, a compilation of God's word translated by Muhammad, as well as a book of guidelines, religious laws, and expectations that all Muslims must live by.
What motivated people to join the First Crusade?
Promise of eternity in heaven, land, and riches.
What is feudalism?
An economic system designed on a hierarchical system. Nobles own land that peasants work in exchange for food and protection. Created a system of reliance between lords, vassals, and peasants.
Why did Justinian want to expand the Byzantine Empire's land?
Justinian wanted to emulate the glory of the Roman Empire, taking specific Roman territory like Italy and North Africa.
What is a Caliph?
Political and religious leader, seen as a successor to Muhammad, who led the Muslim community as the head figure.
Innocent III wanted to reunite the split churches through the crusades.
What caused the Great Schism?
Arguments over doctrine and papal authority. The filioque clause (created by Pope Gregory VII), professed papal authority over all Christians, causing an official split between Eastern and Western Churches.
What is the name of the massive cathedral built by Justinian that still stands today
Hagia Sophia?
Explain the difference between Sunni and Shia Islam.
Sunni: The Majority of muslims believe the leader of Islam should be powerful and elected. Reject the importance of Muhammad's bloodline.
Shia: Minority sect, believe the successor of Muhammad should be in the bloodline, founded by Ali (Muhammad's relative).
What were some positive results of the Crusades?
Increase in trade, cultural exchange (exposed Europeans to Islamic mathematical and medicinal practices, exposed Islamic empires to Greek and Roman literature)
Who was Clovis I?
Frankish ruler who converted to Orthodox Christianity, and wanted to emulate Constantine by uniting other Frankish kingdoms under one Christian banner. Created the Merovingian dynasty.
What is the Corpus Iuris Civilis?
Justinian compiled a law code that mirrored Roman law, and codified the traditions and regulations of Roman law.
Name the Five Pillars of Islam
How did the crusades affect the Byzantine Empire?
The Byzantine Empire was severely weakened by the end of the crusades. Constantinople was sacked and taken in 1204, and most of the land was lost.
Explain the Investiture Controversy
A conflict between Pope Gregory VII and Henry IV about whether secular rulers or the Papacy had the power to invest bishops in secular territory.
Led to major conflict, the excommunication of Henry, the banishing of Gregory from Rome, and the creation of the Antipope in Avignon.