the byzantine empire the eastern roman empire. diocletian-splits empire into east and west to make...

The Byzantine EmpireThe Eastern Roman Empire

• Diocletian -Splits empire into East and West• To make it easier to

manage the large empire

Diocletian – Split the Empire into East and West

• Constantine • Ends persecution of Christians• Christianity grows

strong

• Moves capital from Rome to Constantinople• Signals a shift in power

from West to East

Constantine – Moved the capital to Byzantium (Constantinople), ends Christian persecution

• Justinian • Recaptures lost land in West• Justinian code• All of Rome’s laws in

ONE document

• Builds Hagia Sophia and public works projects

Justinian

Hagia Sophia

• Constantinople • New capital of Roman Empire• Middle of trade

routes (Asia, Africa, Europe)• DIVERSITY!!! (cultures,

languages, clothing, ideas)

Constantinople – Center of the trade routes

Medieval Trade Routes

• Great Schism(split in Christianity)

Leo III – bans iconspope excommunicates him

• Christianity = main religion in West AND East since 300s AD

• Popes and Emperors in conflict—who has ultimate authority??

The Great Schism

• Pope claims all authority

• Emperor claims all authority

Who is most powerful?

• Roman Catholic (WEST)

• Greek Orthodox (EAST)

Western Christianity vs. Eastern Christianity