Unit: 600 – 1450 C.E.
Lesson: Byzantine Empire
Core Content:
Objectives:
1. Discuss how European society evolved from the remnants of the Roman Empire.
2. Analyze how the paths of the Former western Roman Empire and the Byzantine
Empire diverged
Essential Question:
What role did the Byzantine Empire play in the relationship between the East and the
West?
Procedures:
1. Read pages 219-223
2. Look at the similarities of the past empires and the impact they had on society, local
and abroad.
3. Examine the fall of Rome and at the same time examine a map of Rome at its height.
Where and how do you think the Roman Empires legacy will remain?
4. Why do you think the Roman Empire leave such a long lasting legacy?
5. Even though the Roman Empire falls its legacy will live on. Making a shift to the East
and establishing the Byzantine Empire, Emperor Constantine, with the wealth of the East
reestablishes Rome under a new name.
6. The Byzantine Empire inherited imperial law from Rome and combined it with the
imperial role over the Christian Church establishing its power over the entire Western
World for a shirt period of time.
Assessment:
Click on the following lick to answer the questions:
The Byzantine Empire
Use the link above to answer the following questions
1. Why was Byzantium called "the New Rome?"
2. How did the Byzantine Empire carry on many of the traditions of ancient Rome?
3. What were the Emperor Justinian's military goals? How successful was he in
achieving them?
4. Identify the Greek characteristics of the Byzantine Empire.
5. Why do you think Justinian decided in the late 520s that it was the right time to
reform Roman law?
6. What legal reforms did Justinian actually make?
7. What were the geographic advantages of Constantinople's location?
8. Why did Justinian build Hagia Sophia?
9. After reading the document, answer these questions:
* Contrast the picture of Justinian found in each excerpt from Procopius.
* How do you explain these two different views?
* What does Procopius most dislike about Empress Theodora?
* What were some possible reasons why Buildings was published while
Procopius was alive, and The Secret History was not?
10. What were the major accomplishments of the Byzantine Emperor, Justinian?