The Byzantine Empire 523 A.D. – 1453 A.D.• The Roman Empire fell and became the

east and west. The east became the Byzantine Empire.

Constantinople (named after Constantine)-Became the Capital of the Empire. (W.W.S)

• W = Water- the capital is surrounded by water (good for defense)

• W = Walls-They built 13 miles of walls around the city

• S = Shipping- The Bosphorus strait connects the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. -Great for trading goods between Europe and Asia

Justinian-most ambitious leaders of Constantinople Created the Justinian

Codes-• He organized

Christian Roman laws into simplified codes to ensure fair treatment for all

• We use a similar system in America today.

Theodora

• Theodora-his wife• Considered his legal

equal “his back bone” • She encouraged

Justinian to stop rioting enemies. The army killed 30,000!

Hagia Sophia Church

• Byzantine emperors were head of the church and the govt. (Not in Rome)

• Created the Hagia Sophia Church

• Christianity spreads!!!

Christianity Splits Into Christian (west) and Orthodox Christian (east)

1040-Christian ChurchSplits because they interpret

and practice Christianity differently

Christianity in West•Services in Latin

Orthodox Christians in East•Services in Greek•let priests get married

St. Martin Belgium

Mosaic

Eastern Orthodox Church in Russia

Dome Mosaic

Venice