The success of the Roman campaign allowed Justinian to send Belisarius to the East to successfully fight several eastern barbarian uprisings.

Remember,Loot, Pilage,THEN burn!

Belisarius retired after this series of battles. Justinian, however, made the citizens of Constantinople unhappy with taxes.

What a jerk!

Finally, the population of Constantinople were fed up. 30,000 citizens and Narses revolted at the Hippodrome in the Nika Revolt.

Bob, you’rein my seat...

Some historical sources say Narses had nothing to

do with the revolt, but these sources are less

reliable (in my opinion). When this happens, who

do we believe?

Justinian voted to flee the city, but Theodora said “Absolutely not!” She told him that he and his bodyguard would be staying at the palace.

Sit, stay...

Her resolve proved essential in weathering the storm and saving the empire. (Belisarius helped, too.)

Byzantine lifeSome generalities:

1. No remarriage after divorce. 2. Heavy taxes to support the state. 3. Lots ‘o trade with other cultures. 4. Gov’t supported a university. 5. State sponsored missionaries.

Soon after Justinian’s reign, the Byzantine empire participated in a series of “crusades” to recapture the city of Jerusalem from heathens.

They will participate with the knights of Western Europe.

Why take Jerusalem?

•It is the holiest city.

•It can control trade through the Middle East (it’s all about cash money!)

•A way to please God and get to heaven by killing foreigners.

To Jews: Home of the Ark of the Covenant and Solomon’s Temple

To Christians: Jesus ministered there and was crucified there.

To Muslims: Muhammad ascended to heaven from Jerusalem (supposedly).

There were several waves of the crusades that helped place the Islamic/Christian wars into the middle east and keep it out of the Byzantine Empire or the West.