Geography, Rise of the Empire, and the Rule of Justinian

Byzantine Empire

Rise of the Byzantine Empire Began with the divide of the Roman

Empire, East and the West.The West collapsed and the East became

the “New Rome” called Byzantium. The Empire was founded by Constantine

Origins Byzantine culture got its

name from the ancient city of Byzantium, which got its name to its mythical founder, Byzas.

A new city was built there in 330 C.E. by the Emperor Constantine, who renamed the city Constantinople

Beginnings of the Byzantine Empire

Diocletian: Divided Rome into East/WestConstantine:

A.D. 313 Edict of MilanA.D. 325Council of NiceaConstantinople

Theodosius: A.D. 380-Law that all Roman citizens must be Christian.

Map of the Division of Rome

The Byzantine Empire at Large

Constantinople: A Strategically Located City

• Surrounded on 3 sides by water:– The Sea of Marmara– The Black Sea– The Bosporus

• The Dardanelles: straits, or narrow water passages, through which ships can enter the Aegean Sea to the Mediterranean Sea.

• Centre of trade between Asia and the West.• Navy used Greek fire to defend ports.

Byzantine Economy • The economy was centered on trade.• Constantinople was entry way to the East.• Greeks & Romans imported grains from the

shores of the Black Sea.• Animal skins, furs, salt, wine, slaves,

spices, precious gems, silk passed through Constantinople.

• Large tax revenues collected from trade allowed for strong military, bureaucracy and court.

Trade Routes

Byzantine Rule Byzantine rulers had absolute power.

Unlike Western Romans-they were not worshipped as gods.

Ruler was servant of God, but was chosen by God.

Not hereditary, although in many cases it was passed from father to son or daughter.

As a symbol of this power, the portrait of the empress appeared on the coins o the realm.

Rulers The emperors were

called basileu, or king of kings.

The empire was divided into two military districts. Each district was ruled by a

general who was directly responsible to the emperor.

Soldiers fought for the emperor and received the land on which they lived as payment.

Emperor Justinian Tried to unite the Eastern & Western

Roman EmpiresFailed to unite the two Empires but he was

able to encourage trade between them.He re-conquered North Africa, parts of

Spain, Italy, Greece and the Mediterranean Islands from the Barbarians.

Codification of Roman Law.

Re-conquer Lost LandsJustinian took back the Roman

territories that were taken during the Germanic invasions.

He sent out general Belisarius to take North Africa from the Vandals.

Two Years later Belisarius took Rome back from the Ostrogoths.By the end of his conquests Justinian won

back nearly all the territory Rome used to rule.

Justinian Code: Corupus Iurus Civilis

Justinian’s CodeLawyers organized & simplified Roman

law.Four parts:

The Code: All Roman laws since Emperor Hadrian.

The Digest: Laws of Roman Republic & summary of opinions of Roman Lawyers.

The Institutes: General textbook on law.

The Novellea: Laws created by Justinian. Written in Greek.

Theodora Theodora's acting career, evolved into a life

as a prostitute.Theodora, empress of Byzantium from 527-

548,the most influential and powerful woman in the empire's history. Real effect on political decisions.

Lead reforms to for the rights of women.

Nika Revolt (Conquer)

• Took place on Jan. 11–17, 532.• Began because of taxation, oppression

by the authorities, and the religious policies of that persecuted heretics and pagans.

• Revolt threatened the aristocracy the emperor was going to flee but was convince by his wife to stay .

• The revolt was crushed 35,000 people were killed

Youtube video on Justinian Justinian 1 part 1 (9:03)http://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=fpbvCF9Jj40