The Byzantine EmpireThe Eastern half of the Roman

The Byzantine Empire-The Eastern half of the Roman Empire • As the Roman Empire continued to grow in size, it became increasingly more difficult to control. • In 284 AD Emperor Diocletian (284 -305) came to the throne after a century of disorganization, internal dissent, economic collapse, and foreign invasions. • It wasn’t long after he took control that in 285 AD he decided that the Empire was too large to be administered by a single ruler, so he divided it into two halves. • The Empires would be ruled by Co-Emperors and the western half would be centered in Rome, while the eastern half would be ruled from the city of Byzantium.

The dividing line was chosen because most territories to the west of the line spoke Latin and followed traditional Roman culture, while the territories to the east spoke Greek and maintained less traditional Roman ways.

The location of Byzantium on the water between the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea made it a powerful trading force in the east.

• When the western area was overrun by German tribes, the Empire was officially divided in 395 AD and as a result, power shifted to the east and the Byzantine side remained strong for a few hundred years more. • The empire benefited from the high level of civilization in the former Hellenistic world and from the region’s prosperous trade. • In the 4 th c. Emperor Constantine renamed the city of Byzantium to Constantinople • Constantinople –Capital of the Byzantine Empire

Constantinople –Capital of the Byzantine Empire • Constantinople- “The Second Rome” • Key trading route linking Europe, Africa and Asia – Buffer between Western Europe and Asia ·Constantinople

The Age of Justinian 527 -565 • In 527, the Byzantine emperor Justinian aimed at regaining control of Italy and restoring the old Roman Empire once again. • Through war and conquest by about 550 AD, Justinian once again ruled over almost all of the territory of the old Roman Empire.

The Empress Theodora was the wife of Justinian I who was crowned Emperor of the Byzantine Empire in 527 AD. As his wife, she ruled by his side, as his partner, and her intelligence helped to advance the Empire. They ruled unofficially as joint monarchs with Justinian allowing Theodora to share his throne and take active part in decision making.

The Empress Theodora • Perhaps the most significant event during Empress Theodora's rule was the Nika revolt in which she proved herself a worthy and able leader. • During this event, two rival political groups started a riot at the Hippodrome. They set many public buildings on fire and proclaimed a new emperor. • Justinian and his officials, unable to control the crowd prepared to flee, but Theodora spoke up and gave a moving speech about the greater significance of the life of someone who died as a ruler, over that of someone who lived but was nothing. • Her determined speech convinced Justinian and his officials and they attacked the Hippodrome, killing over 30, 000 rebels and emerging victorious.

The Empress Theodora Throughout the rest of her life, Theodora and Justinian transformed the city of Constantinople, building it into a city that for many centuries was known as one of the most wonderful cities in the world. They built aqueducts, bridges, and more than 25 churches, the most significant of these being the Hagia Sophia - 'Church of Holy Wisdom'.

Justinian’s Achievements • Hagia Sophia – Great domed church constructed during the reign of Justinian • The Hippodrome- stadium used for horse and chariot racing • Justinian’s Code – Justinian’s codification of Roman law; made Roman law a the basis for political and economic life

Culture of the Byzantine Empire The most impressive work of Byzantine architecture is the Hagia Sophia, which was originally a Christian church in the year 360

Culture of the Byzantine Empire Later, the Hagia Sophia (which means “Holy Wisdom” in Greek) became a mosque and today is a museum in present-day Turkey

Importance of the Byzantine Empire • Preserved classic works of ancient Greece & Western Rome (learning) including Christianity • Created Orthodox Christian religion • Justinian’s code of laws

The Byzantine End • The long decline began in 11 th c. • Muslim Turkish invaders seized almost all of the empire’s Asian territory, removing the most important sources of taxes and food • In 1453, the Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople • Muslims eventually took Constantinople and renamed it Istanbul. This marked the rise of the Ottoman Empire.