NoteSheet 11.1

The Byzantine Empire

Roman Empire

Byzantine Empire

1. Why are Constantine and Justinian so important in the history of the Byzantine Empire?

• Constantine– Moved east from Rome to Byzantium– The city would become known as Constantinople

(named after Constantine)• Justinian– Took the throne of the eastern empire in 527– Regained old Rome• What does this mean and why is it important?

– Justinian Code

The Justinian Code

• The Code – Nearly 5,000 Roman Laws

• The Digest– Summarized Rome’s greatest legal thinkers– 50 volumes

• The Institutes– Told law students how to use the laws

• The Novellae (New Laws)– Legislation passed after 534

2. What were the unique features of the city of Constantinople?

• Justinian launched a program to beautify the capital

• Hagia Sophia• Hippodrome– Great chariot races and held up to 60,000 people

Hagia Sophia

Hippodrome

3. What caused the Church to divide and what are the major differences between the Roman Catholic Church

and the Eastern Orthodox Church?Roman Catholic• Services are conducted

in Latin• The pope has authority

over all other bishops• The pope claims

authority over all Kings and Emperors

• Priest may not marry• Divorce is not

permitted (allowed)• ROME

Similarities• They base their faith on

the gospel of Jesus and the Bible

• They use sacraments such as baptism

• Their religious leaders are priests and bishops

• They seek to convert people

Eastern Orthodox• Services are conducted

in Greek or local languages

• The patriarch and other bishops head the Church as a group

• The emperor claims authority over the patriarch and other bishops of the empire

• Priests may be married• Divorce is allowed

under certain conditions

• BYZANTINE