Rome Byzanine Empires Geography Rome at its Height

Rome & Byzanine Empires

Geography – Rome at it’s Height

Geography NORTH Britain WEST Spain Rome at Height SOUTH Egypt EAST Mesopot

Geography Constantinople • Connects Mediterranean Sea to the Black Sea • Better Trade • Close to Asia Minor • Close to Europe • Close to North Africa • Easier to defend • Wall surround city • Surrounded by water • Moat

Religion One reason that the early Christian church survived was because of its organization. Local leaders were Bishops later controlled churches in certain areas

Religion • Bishops get authority based on Apostolic Succession Jesus Apostles Bishops

Religion Constantinople • The Bishops of the five largest cities were called Patriarchs. Alexandria Rome Jerusalem Antioch

Religion Why did the Bishop of Rome think he should be the leader of the church?

Religion – 1. 2. 3. • Jesus • Peter – leader of church when Jesus died • Bishops of Rome

Religion Everyone believed that … Jesus was the son of God Jesus was the savior

Religion What was the Great Schism or split?

Religion Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church Icons bring you closer to God Icons are a form of idol worship Head of church is the Pope Head of the Church is the Emperor Leader of the church is the Pope (day to day operations) Leader of the Church is the Patriarch of Constantinople (day to day operations) Priests can’t marry Priests can marry Rituals and ceremonies in Latin Rituals and ceremonies in Greek

Achievements Rome • Roads • Move army around • Spread culture • Connect the empire

Achievements Aqueducts • Get water to cities • Fountains • Public Baths • Everyday use

Achievements - Rome Concrete Coliseum

Achievements Bath Circus

Achievements Byzantine Justinian’s Code • Organized and preserved Roman law

Achievements Byzantine Hagia Sophia • Dome 185 feet tall • Still standing

Achievements Byzantine Mosaic • A form of art where designs are made with small stones or glass

Achievements Cyril & Methodius • Brothers who gave up wealth to spread their religion in Eastern Europe • Cyril created Cyrillic alphabet so Slavs could have a written language & a Bible • Considered Apostles to the Slavs

Politics Julius Caesar • Was a famous war hero • Started a revolution when he marched with his troops into Rome • Restored order to Rome • Made dictator for life • Some (senators ) feared he was too ambitious or getting too powerful & assassinated him

Politics Caesar Augustus • Adopted son of Julius Caesar • Massive building projects – restore pride in Rome • Expanded Rome • Started the Pax Romana

Politics Nerva Adopt next leader Trajan Lead Rome at height

Politics Hadrian Wall & defense Marcus Aurelius Philosopher

Politics Constantine • Converted to Christianity • Made Christianity legal • Moved capital to Constantinople • Wanted Constantinople to resemble Rome – start building projects

Politics Justinian • Worked his way up through army • Dream to restore Rome to the way it was – came close • Had lawyers organize Roman law – Justinian’s code – basis for some legal systems today • Had the Hagia Sophia built • Married to Theodora – smart and a performer

Economy Expansion – Initially Strengthened • Brought in riches • Massive building projects • Encouraged & necessitated inventions • Aqueducts • Concrete • roads • Spread culture

Economy Expansion - Eventually Weakened the Economy • Expansion slowed down – no new riches • Raise taxes to pay for army • Slaves take jobs of working class – struggle to support family • Constant wars damaged farms & trade • Rich leave for country homes

Economy Constantinople • Strong trade • Had good harbors • Close to Asia Minor and Europe

Rise of the Empires Rome Expansion Strong leaders Julius Caesar Cesar Augustus 5 Good Emperors Strong trade Increased need for Inventions Roads Aqueducts Romans in the army are proud Byzantine Expansion Justinian restore Rome to glory Cyril & Methodius Strong leaders Constantine Justinian Strong trade Close to Europe, Asia Minor, and North Africa

Effects of Expansion in Rome Beginning Increased trade & brought in riches Later When expansion slowed down, they didn’t have the huge increase of riches Romans didn’t want to serve so the Emperor had to rely on foreigners to fight Foreigners not motivated to fight Had to raise taxes to pay for the army to defend the Empire

Fall of Empires Rome Rich get richer and poor get poorer Weak leaders Weak economy Constant war No increased trade or riches Loss of pride in being a Roman People turned to the latifundia for food and water Byzantine Weak leaders Constant attacks from enemies Finally broke through defenses (walls) Use of gunpowder for weapons like cannons