The Byzantine Empire - Part B

The Byzantine Empire - Part B

Objectives

  • Recognize the causes and effects of the Division in the Church.
  • Analyze life in Constantinople.

Session 1

Engagement Question
  • What are icons?
Engagement Question - Answer
  • Icons are holy artwork that show Jesus and the saints.
Justinian I and Theodora
  • Justinian started the Byzantine silk industry by smuggling silkworms out of China.
  • Smuggling the eggs ended China’s monopoly of the Silk trade.
  • With the money Justinian got from trade and taxes, he improved the empire and made it more beautiful.
  • The people rebelled; government officials wanted him to leave, but Theodora (his wife) persuaded him to stay.
  • Theodora helped Justinian in managing the empire affairs.
  • She made it possible for women to own property.
  • Some of Theodora’s duties were:
    • She met with envoys.
    • She wrote official letters to leaders of other governments.
    • She chose government leaders.
The Division of the Christian Church
  • Different branches of Christianity developed, which led to conflicts between Christians.
  • Even Justinian I and Theodora disagreed over Christianity.
  • The major arguments within Christianity were about the use of icons.
  • The conflicts divided the Christians into two parts:
    • Eastern Orthodox
    • Roman Catholic
Eastern Orthodox
  • The Church in the Byzantine Empire became the Eastern Orthodox Church.
  • Leaders of this Church were called Patriarchs.
  • The Eastern Orthodox Church used icons while praying.
Roman Catholic
  • The Church in Western Europe became the Roman Catholic Church.
  • The Church followers were called Catholics.
  • The Pope was the leader of the Roman Catholic Church.
  • The Roman Catholics did not believe in using icons while praying.
Wrap up Question
  • What caused the major argument in the Christian Church?
  • What is the main difference between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Church?
  • Answer the Wrap Up sheet (Week 11- Session 1). Model Answers will be uploaded on Google Classroom

Session 2

Engagement Question
  • Where did Justinian get the money to improve the Byzantine Empire?
Engagement Question- Answer
  • He got the money from trade and taxes.
Life in Constantinople
  • Constantinople was the capital city of the Byzantine Empire.
  • The city of Constantinople was surrounded by water on three sides (peninsula) making it easy to defend and a good location for trade.
  • It was also close to major trade routes (Bosporus Strait).
Life in Constantinople - Hippodrome
  • The Hippodrome was a stadium in Constantinople where races, shows, religious ceremonies and government events were held.
  • Women were not allowed to attend events at the Hippodrome. Only the empress could attend.
End of the Byzantine Empire
  • Because of its wealth and location Constantinople was a target for invaders.
  • A group called the Ottoman Turks brought an end to the Byzantine Empire.
Wrap up Question
  • What are the two things that caused Constantinople to be a target for invaders?
  • Answer the Wrap Up sheet (Week 11- Session 2). Model Answers will be uploaded on Google Classroom