The Byzantine Empire

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The Byzantine Empire
AD330-1453
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Byzantium The "New Rome"
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The Roman Empire Divided in 294
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Constantines City--Constantinopolis
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Barbarian Invasions of the Roman Empire
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Cityscape of Istanbul (formerly Constantinople)
1st Class City
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Constantinople A Greek City(Istanbul Today)
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Constantinople

• Capital city of Byzantine Empire (AD 330-1453)
• Founded by Constantine - to consolidate his rule.
• Position - Confluence of Bosporus,the Golden
  Horn, and Sea of Marmara. Excellent for trade and
  defense.
• City became a self contained fortress, 13 miles
  of walls, watchtowers and 50 fortified gates.
• The Inlet of the Golden Horn was surrounded by
  hills - safe harbor in bad weather.

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Chain Golden Horn
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Position Continued

• Bosporus - gateway from Black Sea to Sea of
  Marmara. Constatinople was at a shipping and
  trading crossroads Europe Asia
• From Sea of Marmara - strait of Dardanelles led
  to Agean Sea then Mediterranean Sea.
• Whoever ruled Constantinople was in a position to
  control all trade Asia - Europe and Russia-
  Mediterranean

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Byzantine Culture

• Since started out as Eastern end of Roman Empire
  - strong Roman influences.
• Modeled after Rome, built on 7 hills and divided
  into 14 districts.
• Buildings reflected Roman influence - the
  hippodrome, forum and aqueducts.
• Kept but relaxed many Roman rules and
  customs-circus, chariot races, emperors bread
  distribution.

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Bridge between ancient and modern Europe

• Christianity, Roman customs, and Greek classical
  culture all survived, blended and flourished in
  the Empire.
• The empire saw 88 emperors come and go, survived
  centuries of public riots, religious differences,
  and foreign threats - ended in 1453 when
  Constantinople fell to the Turks.
• Istanbul today is the only major city that
  straddles 2 continents.