Byzantium

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Byzantium
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The Byzantine Empire

• History
• Created from remaining portions of Roman Empire
• Tried to be like Rome
• Built in 7 hills, divided into 14 districts
• Capital created by Roman Emperor Constantine
• Had Roman like buildings and military
• BUT was Christian from the start and allowed
  power to go to talented

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The Byzantine Empire at its height
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Constantinople New Rome

• Defense Advantages

• Trade Advantages

• Surrounded by water on three sides
• Protected by 13 miles of watchtowers and gates
• Survived centuries of riots, wars and 88 leaders

• Contol of Bosporous strait
• Gateway of trade between Asia and Europe AND
  Russia and mediteranian

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JUSTINIAN- Byzantiums greatest emperor

• -527-565 AD (most ambitious ruler)
• Described by some as devout, determined and
  energetic
• Described by others as devious, false,
  two-faced and cruel
• - Was proactive invade before being invaded
• -Drove barbarians out of North Africa, Spain and
  Italy, but failed to capture Rome

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Justinians Accomplishments

• Built
• Churches
• Bridges
• hospitals
• libraries
• parks
• Created Code of Justinian legal code
  influences many western legal codes

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Theodora

• Wife of Justinian
• Daughter of Bear Keeper
• Dancer/actress
• Very adventurous
• Often more poweful than Justinian
• Once saved Byzantium

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The Hagia Sophia- Church of Holy Wisdom

• Largest of 25 Cathedrals Justinian built
• Built in 5 years
• Later became a mosque
• Outsidep lain, inside
• filled with Mosaics
• -Shows Roman and Eastern influence

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Quiz Byzantium

• 1. What city was the capital of the Byzantine
  Empire?
• 2. List two ways in which this city was easily
  defended?
• 3. List one reason this city was good for trade.
• 4. Who was Byzantiums most famous emperor and
• what was his most famous accomplishment?
• 5. List one good being exported to Byzantium and
  describe where it came from and one being
  imported from Byzantium.