Leaders
He rose from humble origins to become one of the most famous Byzantine emperors. First great period of Byzantine history and culture during his reign.
Justinian
A popular uprising in 532 that threatened to topple Justinian from power. Meaning conquer.
Nika Revolt
People whose ancestors played a major role in establishing the early Russian state. Largest ethnic group in early Russia.
Slavs
A blending of the cultural heritage of ancient Greece and the cultures of the Near East. Strongly influenced the people of Russia and southeastern Europe.
Byzantine Empire
Arab nomads roamed the desert in search of pastureland and water for their herds of goats, sheep, and camels.
Bedouins
The wife of Justinian who had a strong character and gave timely counsel.
Theodora
The Byzantine army fell to the Seljuk Turks in 1071 here. Since that day, Asia Minor has remained under the control of the Turks.
Battle of Manzikert
Kievan ruler. He ordered the destruction of pagan idols and temples and established Orthodox Christianity as the official state religion in 988.
Vladimir I
A systematic arrangement of laws that clarified Roman legal principles. This code preserved the heritage of the Roman legal system.
Justinian Code
He claimed to be the last and greatest of prophets. His teachings became the basis for Islam. Name means "highly praised."
Mohammad
Known as the "Bulgar Slayer." He crushed the Bulgars in the Balkan region and added their kingdoms to the empire.
Basil II
Umayyads pressed on into southern France until they were stopped by the Franks here in 732.
Battle of Tours
These bands of Swedish Norsemen sailed south from the Baltic Sea using the waterways. They took political control of Russia.
Varangians
Emperor Constantine formally dedicated this new capital for the Roman Empire in 330. It became more widely known as Constantinople "Constantine's City" and "Queen of the Mediterranean."
New Rome
Means "submission [to the will of Allah.]" A new religion formed by Muhammad.
Islam
This Varagian warrior gained control of Novgorod about 862 whether by invitation or by force. He established the first ruling dynasty of of Russia.
Rurik
The traditional date for the beginning of Russian history. 861, 862, or 863
862
"The Wise." He greatly strengthened the city of Kiev's position of leadership. Kiev became known as the "Mother of Russian Cities."
Yaroslav
Means "Holy Wisdom." The most famous of fine Byzantine architecture is this structure.
Hagia Sophia
Means "Flight." The move of Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina. Celebrated as year 1 in the Muslim calendar.
Hegira
The first caliph. Father of one of Muhammad's wives and early convert of Muhammad.
Abu Bakr
In response to a desperate appeal from the Byzantine Emperor, the West sent several military expeditions to free the East, especially the Holy Land, from these Muslim invaders.
The Crusades
Fierce Mongolian warriors from central Asia. They swept into Russian and and destroyed Kiev in 1240.
The Tartars
This weapon, which the Byzantines acquired in the seventh century, was an explosive mixture of naphtha oil, sulfur, and saltpeter. It could not be put out with water.
Greek Fire
Best remembered for his work with smallpox. Muslim physician who wrote many medical books in which they recorded their practical experience in identifying and treating various diseases.
al-Razi