Byzantine Empire, Russia, and Mongols Study Guide

A set of vocabulary flashcards taken from the study guide on the Byzantine Empire, Russia, and the Mongols, focusing on key terms and their definitions.

Byzantine Empire

The Eastern half of the Roman Empire that flourished after the fall of the Western portion.

Constantinople

The new center of trade for the Byzantine Empire, located between the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea.

Autocrat

A ruler with complete authority, as exemplified by Emperor Justinian.

Justinian Code

Also known as the 'Body of Civil Law,' it codified ancient Roman laws and created order within society.

Great Schism

The split that occurred in Christianity between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Roman Catholic Church

• Priests can’t get married

• Main Language: Latin

• Viewed icons as idolatry

• Main city: Rome

• Main leader: Pope

• Mary was born without sin

Eastern Orthodox Church

• Priests can get married

• Main Language: Greek

• Used icons for worship

• Main city: Constantinople

• Main leader: Patriach

• Only Christ was born without sin

Hagia Sophia

An Orthodox Christian Church rebuilt by Justinian, later converted into a mosque by the Ottomans.

Ivan the Great

The first Russian tsar who built the framework for absolute rule in Russia.

Ivan the Terrible

Grandson of Ivan the Great, known for establishing absolute rule and centralizing power over the nobles.

Mongols

A nomadic group from Central Asia known for their skilled horse riding, warriors, and archery.

Genghis Khan

The supreme ruler of the Mongolian Empire who united the Mongol tribes and expanded their territory.

Pax Mongolia

A period of political stability in the Mongolian Empire that increased trade between Europe and Asia.

Cyrillic Alphabet

A written script adapted by Christian missionaries for the Slavic language, originating from Greek.

Kiev

The center of the first Russian state, where Slavic and Viking cultures mixed.

Ottoman Empire

The empire that conquered Constantinople, renaming it Istanbul, and became a center of Islamic culture.

Silk Road

An ancient trade route revitalized by the Mongols, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas between East and West.