lesson 42

Byzantine Empire

The eastern half of the Roman Empire that thrived for another thousand years after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

Constantinople

The capital of the Byzantine Empire, originally Byzantium, located at a strategic trade hub.

Justinian I

The first great leader of the Byzantine Empire, known for his military conquests and codification of Roman law.

Belisarius

Justinian’s gifted general who achieved significant military victories and restored much of the former Roman Empire's territory.

Theodora

Justinian's wife, a highly influential figure who championed women's rights and provided political advice.

Justinian Code

A codification of Roman law commissioned by Justinian I, consisting of four parts: The Code, The Digest, The Institutes, and The Novellae.

Greek Fire

A secret incendiary weapon used by the Byzantines to repel Arab attacks during sieges.

Iconoclastic Controversy

An 8th-century dispute in the Byzantine Empire regarding the use of religious images, leading to significant division.