Transcript ROMAN EMPIRE SPLIT - Rutherford County Schools

ROMAN EMPIRE SPLIT
CONSTANTINOPLE
In A.D. 330 an emperor named Constantine moved the capital of the
empire from Rome to a new city in the east. -The Greek city of
Byzantium.
He called the new capital Constantinople.
Question 1
Why would Constantine move the capital of the empire?
Is this a good idea? Explain
DIVISION OF THE EMPIRE
The next emperor, Theodosius requested to divide the empire into
eastern and western parts
Western Capital-Rome
Eastern Capital-Constantinople
Question 2
Why would Theodosius divide the empire?
Is this a good idea? Explain
FALL OF THE
WESTERN ROMAN
EMPIRE
When the Romans divided the empire, they also
divided the army. The western half of the empire
became too weak to stop invaders
Many Germanic tribes started taking over Roman
land.
In A.D. 476, a Germanic general named Odoacer overthrew
the western Roman emperor Romulus Augustulus (who was only 14!)
This is considered the end of the Western Roman
Empire
THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE
The Eastern Roman Empire became known as the Byzantine
Empire
It was its most powerful in the A.D. 500s.
CONSTANTINOPLE = THE NEW ROME
Advantages of Constantinople’s Location
Peninsula between the Black Sea
& Aegean Sea
Fishing boats, trading ships, and
warships could use its harbors
The seas around it made it easy to defend
Two major trade routes crossed through it, so traders from
Asia to Europe sold goods there
Question 3
Why was Constantinople important to the
Byzantine Empire?
BLENDING OF CULTURES
Roman Influence
Constantinople had many Roman-style buildings,
including an outdoor arena for sporting events.
It was called the Hippodrome.
Officials gave free food and entertainment to the poor.
People from many lands settled in the Byzantine Empire.
Their different customs blended together to form a new
culture.
Over time, the empire became less Roman and more Greek.
Most Byzantines spoke Greek, so officials and emperors
learned to speak Greek too.
Question 4
Explain how cultural diffusion occurred in the
Byzantine Empire
JUSTINIAN’S
RULE
A.D. 527-A.D. 565
A forbidden
love
Justinian Bio
Justinian’s uncle, Justin, provided
Justinian with an excellent education at
a school in Byzantium. When his uncle
became emperor, he adopted Justinian
and made him his chief advisor and
later, co-ruler. In A.D. 527 he died, and
Justinian became emperor
Theodora Bio
Theodora was a member of a lower
social class. Justinian could not marry
her: it was illegal for people of lower
classes to marry nobles. Justinian’s
uncle Justin, who was the emperor,
changed the law so that the couple
could marry. HOW ROMANTIC!
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
OF THE POWER COUPLE
JUSTINIAN
Emperor Justinian ruled the Byzantine
Empire when it was at its most powerful.
He was a skilled general and strong
leader. He controlled the military and
made the laws.
Justinian ordered a group of scholars to
organize the laws and make them simpler
& better.
The new laws were easier for people to
understand and follow.
Became known as Justinian Code
THEODORA
Theodora helped Justinian rule
the empire such as choosing
government officials.
Theodora also helped women gain
more legal rights such as granting
women the right to own land.
Wahoo!
When angry taxpayers rebelled in
A.D. 532, her wisdom helped stop
the crisis.
Primary
Source “ May I never be separated from this purple (royal
color), and may I not live that day on which those who
meet me shall not address me as mistress. If, now, it is
your wish to save yourself, O Emperor, there is no
difficulty. For we have much money, and there is the
sea, here the boats. However consider whether it will
not come about after you have been saved that you
would gladly exchange that safety for death. For as for
myself, I approve a certain ancient saying that royalty is
a good burial-shroud.”
–Empress Theodora
From “The Nika Riot,” by Procopius
What is Theodora saying here?
What does this say about her character?
Question 1
Why was Theodora an important part of
Justinian’s rule?
JUSTINIAN’S
CODE
What similarities do you see
between Justinian’s Code
and American Laws?
BYZANTINE ART
Justinian ordered the building of
the Hagia Sophia
This church became the religious
center of the empire.
It still stands today
The Hagia Sophia was decorated
with mosaics. Most mosaics
showed figures of saints-Christian
holy people. Some honored
Byzantine emperors
Question 2
What elements of Roman architecture can be
found in the Hagia Sophia?
MILITARY
CONQUESTS
Justinian longed to restore the Roman Empire
He began using a cavalry in the army (groups of
soldiers on horses)
Justinian’s army conquered the invaders who had
taken lands from the Western Roman Empire. He
gained back Italy, Spain, parts of Africa, and even
conquered the Persians.
Question 3
In your opinion-Was it a wise choice for Justinian to
reconquer parts of the Western Roman Empire?
JUSTINIAN'S PLAGUE
The conquests of Justinian’s army were short lived
During the mid 500s, a deadly disease known as “Justinian’s
Plague” swept through Asia and Europe. The plague killed
millions of people, including Justinian’s army.
In addition, the Byzantines did not have the money to support
an army large enough to defend against the Persians in the
east and protect the lands in west.
Most of the western territories that Justinian conquered were
lost after his death.
Byzantine Empire Stations
Over the next two days, you will be working in
groups to dive deeper into the world of the
Byzantine Empire.
Your group will be analyzing visuals, articles,
primary sources, and secondary sources