The Byzantine Empire

Section 9-1

Preview Questions

• How did Justinian extend Byzantine power?

• What were the key elements of Byzantine Christianity?

• Why did the Byzantine empire collapse?

• What was the heritage of the Byzantine empire?

The Growth of Byzantine Power

• The eastern Roman empire became known as the Byzantine empire.

• Constantinople – Center of the empire– Favorable location for trade– Wealth and splendor

The Growth of Byzantine Power

• A Blending of Cultures– Promoted Greek,

Roman, and Christian cultures

The Age of Justinian

• Wanted his empire to be as great as ancient Rome

• Ruled as an autocrat and had power over the Church

• Organized laws – known as Justinian’s Code

The Age of Justinian

• Justinian launched a building program in Constantinople. The greatest achievement was the church of the Hagia Sophia.

The Age of Justinian

• Changing Fortunes – Many attacks came from groups such as the Turks,

Persians, Slavs, Vikings, and Mongols– Arab armies gained control of much of the

Mediterranean, but the empire survived due to their strong government and economy

Byzantine Christianity

• Byzantine Christianity – Emperor controlled Church

affairs– Ruled by a patriarch – Clergy may marry – Used Greek as language of

Church – Greatest Holy Day is Easter– Known as Orthodox Christianity

Byzantine Christianity

• Schism – A dispute over the use of icons led to a schism• Byzantine Christians prayed to icons• Roman Christians condemned as “idol worshipping”

– Pope and patriarch excommunicated each other – Fourth Crusade worsened divisions

Crisis and Collapse

• Reasons For Decline – Struggles over succession – Wars– Growth of Western Europe – Invasion by Seljuk Turks – The Crusades – Rise of Ottoman Turks

Crisis and Collapse

• Constantinople Falls – Ottoman Turks

captured Constantinople in 1453 and renamed it Istanbul

– Muslim influences replace Christian ones.

The Byzantine Heritage

• Blended Christian beliefs with Greek learning• Preserved classical learning • Expanded Roman architecture and law