
Aim: What do we think the Byzantine
Empire was all about?
L43Unit5intro
This unit is called : Expanding Zones of
Encounter and Exchange
Do Now: Based on these images--What
do you think the Byzantine Empire might
have been like?
What is the Byzantine Empire
all about?

Analyze the documents together as a
group. Organize the new information you
gather from the documents about the
Byzantine empire in either a chart or
bulleted outline that contains the
following categories: Government,
Religion, Culture, Economics, Legacy
Byzantine Empire– History as a mystery activity
Gov
Religion
Culture
Economics
Legacy
-Freedoms for
citizens
-Monarchy –
Emperor
Justinian
-Justinian wrote
their legal
codes
-They have a
justice system
(doc2)
-- main religion
is Christianity
-- new style of
Christianity(4)
-Orthodox !!!
(6)
- Strict rules on
worship and
following
-Religion is very
important
-Build fancy
buildings
(churches) (5)
-Different
people spoke
dif languages
(6)
-Laws on
marriage/
divorce
-Constantinople
= center of
trade/ capital
city (doc1)
-Conquered
land to increase
their resources
and money (3)
-Control trade
all around the
Med. Sea (3)
- wealthy (5)
- Influenced the
Russian
religion(4)
Aim: How did Emperor Justinian
change the Byzantine Empire? L44
Justinian
Do Now: Copy and answer the following
Regents practice Question
E. Emperor Justinian
A) Basic Info
 Justinian ruled
from 527-565
 Emperor had all
the laws of
ancient Rome
collected,
revised, and
organized


His code
became the
basis for
Western
European law in
1100’s A.D.
Used today as
basis for
international law
B) Military goals
 Determined to
revive
grandeur of
ancient Rome
 Reconquered
North Africa, Italy,
and Southern Spain
 Established a trade nation around
the Med. Sea
C) Problems arise
 Dissatisfaction arose
with Justinian’s
government ministers



Chariot-racing factions
united and rioted,
demanding removal of
unpopular officials
Tried to overthrow
Justinian
His awesome wife–
Empress Theodora
saves the day!!
D) Legacy
 Under Justinian, the
Byzantine Empire reached
its height in culture and
prosperity
 Built the Hagia Sophia
 Greatest architectural
achievement


Magnificent use of
arches to support
huge domed roof.
First a church, then a
mosque – now a
museum
Aim: How did Great Schism effect religious
and Byzantine history?
L45Byzantinewrapup

Do Now: Copy and Answer the following Regents
question