Byzantine Empire
Constantinople and
Justinian I
Objective
• Explain the importance of the city of
Constantinople as a trading hub and how it
emerged as the capital of the Byzantine Empire
Let’s Read
• History Alive textbook Pg. 62
Why was the city of Constantinople in
a strategic location?
It was easy to defend because it was
surrounded by water on three sides.
Why was the city
of Constantinople
in a strategic
location?
Constantinople
linked Europe and
Asia, sea and land
trade routes linked
the two continents.
Describe the city of Constantinople
and its people.
How was Constantinople different
from cities in Western Europe?
Were most people in Constantinople
rich or poor?
For recreation, what did many
residents of Constantinople do?
Peninsula – a piece of
land surrounded on
three sides by water.
Protected by 13 miles
of walls, watchtowers
and gates.
Great for trade and
defense. Was a shipping
and trading hub.
Walls only needed to
be built on one side of
the city.
Capital of the
Byzantine Empire.
Heavily influenced
by Roman Culture.
Built on seven hills
like Rome.
Survived centuries of
riots, religious
discord, wars, and 88
emperors.
Seized by Turks in
1453 and renamed
Istanbul. Today is a
major city in modern
Turkey.
Review
• Complete the following sentence.
• Constantinople was an
important city because…
Objective
• Describe the importance of Justinian I and the
lasting impact of the new code of laws organized
during his reign.
Let’s Read
• History Alive textbook Pg. 63
http://www.online-stopwatch.com/eggtimer-countdown/fullscreen/
How long did Justinian reign as
emperor of the Byzantine Empire?
• Justinian reign lasted from 527 to 565(38 years).
What were some of the results of the
rebellion?
• Justinian rebuilt the city, putting large sums of
money into public works projects (new bridges,
parks, roads, hospitals.
• Built many churches, including the Hagia
Sophia.
• Tried to reclaim some of the empires lost
territory in North Africa, Italy, and Spain.
How has Justinian’s Code affected the
modern world?
Justinian’s Code became the basis
for many legal codes in the western
world.
Imagine this…
• After an exciting football game last Friday night,
a middle school student spent time with her
friends and didn’t return home until 1am. As
she entered the house, she was confronted by
her parents, who were upset that she stayed out
so late and did not bother to notify them.
What should the girl’s parents do?
• “Ground” her for a month as punishment for
staying out late
• Discuss with their daughter the need to behave
more responsibly
• Do nothing but express appreciation that she
make it home safely
Why? Write your answer in complete
sentences – Explain your reasoning!
The Justinian Code
• When Justinian came to
power in 527 he created a
commission of lawyers to
revise and codify the
laws.
• The final product was
called the Corpus Juris
Civilis
• Justinian’s code extended
the rights of women,
children, and slaves, but
also called for harsher
penalties for crimes.
US Law
• Although the Constitution
is considered the highest
law of the land, it provides
no specific penalties for
criminal activity.
• Each state is allowed to
create its own codes to
regulate behaviors.
Comparing Codes of Law
• Today you will be comparing the Justinian Code
of Law to a modern code of law.
• Step One: Assign each group member a role.
• Step Two: Analyze each situation.
• Step Three: Solve the problem.
• Step Four: Share your decisions with the class.
Marriage Scenario: Could Jim and
Wilma marry?
Justinian Code
• NO
• Wilma’s parents did not give
her consent to marry Jim.
• Wilma cannot get married
until she gets a divorce.
• Wilma has a high status job
and Jim’s job at the carnival
would be considered interior
to hers.
California Code
• YES
• Jim and Wilma can marry as
soon as Wilma’s divorce is
final.
Assault and Battery: What would
happen to Don?
Justinian Code
• Don would be found GUILTY
of assault because…
▫ He began the hostilities by
hitting the Senator
▫ He verbally assaulted the
Senator with the intention
of drawing a crowd.
• Don would pay a high fine
since Bert is of a high rank.
• If the Senator pursues charges,
Don would get the harshest
possible penalty.
California Code
• Don would be charged with
ASSAULT AND BATTERY
• Assault fine not exceeding
$1,000 and/or imprisonment
up to 6 months.
• Battery fine not exceeding
$2,000 and/or imprisonment
up to 6 months.
Robbery: What would happen to Rob?
Justinian Code
• Rob would have to PAY $450
to Jose because he was caught
in the act of robbery.
California Code
• Rob would be charged with
ROBBERY in the 2ND
DEGREE
• He would face imprisonment
in a state prison for 2,3, or 5
years.
Wills and Inheritance: What would MC
Pliers need to do to create a will?
Justinian Code
• He can write a will, but
must have 7 witnesses
present who must sign their
names and affix their seals.
• Each witness must be an adult
of sound mind and body
without a criminal record.
California Code
• He may make a will
because he is over 18.
• Will must be signed by him
and two others who must be
present at the time and can
verify that the will represents
MC Pliers wishes.
Justinian Code V. California Code
Justinian Code
Both
California Code
Review:
• Answer the following question using complete
sentences.
• Would life be better if the United
States adopted the Justinian Code as
its official legal code?
▫ Explain your reasoning and support your answer!
Objective:
• Describe the importance of Justinian and
Theodora to the Byzantine Empire
Video Clip: Justinian I
While alive Justinian
was described as
devout, determined,
and energetic.
After his death,
described as two
faced and cruel.
Came to the throne at age
45: considered Byzantium's
most ambitious ruler.
Acted as head of church and
state
Drove barbarians out of
North Africa, Spain & Italy
Expanded the empire but
failed to recapture Rome
Built bridges, churches,
hospitals, libraries & parks
Justinian’s scholars
revised laws and
created “The Justinian
Code”
This law code
influenced many
modern law codes.
Primary or Secondary?
Sometimes
angers
Justinian by
giving orders
that cancel
his.
Destroys
her
enemies
Told Justinian
he should not
flee, but stay
and crush the
Nika
Rebellion
Helped all
women by
convincing
Justinian to
expand
women's
rights
The poor and
homeless should
thank Theodora
because she
started programs
to help them
*Born into lower class as daughter of a bear keeper
*Loved to travel, worked as an actress and dancer
*Married Justinian in her 20’s and settled down
*Equaled and sometime surpassed Justinian in political skill and wisdom
Review:
• Complete the following sentence.
• Justinian and Theodora were
important to the Byzantine Empire
because
Try to give two reasons!