Byzantine Empire and the Crusades The Eastern Roman
Byzantine Empire and the Crusades The Eastern Roman Empire centered around Constantinople
Justinian • Became emperor of Eastern Roman Empire in 527 – Wanted to reestablish Roman Empire in the Mediterranean
The Justinian Code • The Body of Civil Law • Simplified Roman Law • Body of Civil Law • Basis of Imperial Law • Used as basis for legal system in Europe • Education – preserved works of Greece and Rome
Byzantine Empire • Greek/Christian state in E. Roman Empire – Greek replaced Latin as the official language • Schism in the Christian Church (a separation) – East Orthodox Christians (Even the head of the church (called a patriarch) patriarch had to listen to the Emperor) – Roman Church (Pope had more control) • Lots of time, money, and talent put into churches/religion • Emperor was chosen by god • Had absolute power • Crowned in sacred ceremonies • Controlled the church and state (Patriarch)
Constantinople • Largest city in Europe during the middle ages • Public Works – – – Roads Bridges Walls Public baths Buildings • Churches • Arenas • Schools • Trade • Chief center of trade between Asia and Byzantine Empire • Imported raw materials for industry • Hagia Sophia- attracted many visitors/traders – Sophia is the Greek word for wisdom. The full name of Hagia Sophia in Greek is ‘Shrine of the Holy Wisdom of God'. – Turned into a mosque in 1453 (4 pillars were added)
Building the New Rome Constantinople’s Hectic Pace • The main street of the city ran from the emperor’s palace past public buildings and to the city walls. • It was lined with shops and open-air markets, where people bought and sold goods from Asia, Africa, and Europe. • Hippodrome – 60, 000 seat stadium that hosted chariot races, circus acts
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