Byzantine Empire Notes

Byzantine Empire Overview

Warm-Up Activity

  • Byzantine Art Analysis: Answer questions regarding a piece of Byzantine art.
  • Prepare Materials: Take out your unit guide, Justinian’s Code homework, and Chromebook.

Agenda

  • Objectives: Describe the origins and characteristics of the Byzantine Empire.
  • Homework:
  • Complete readings and outline chapters 12, lessons 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.3 (Quiz next class).
  • Finish Video Study activity.

Characteristics of the Byzantine Empire

  • Geography:

  • Capital: Constantinople, positioned as a trade crossroads, preserved Greco-Roman culture.

  • Extent under Justinian I (527-565) included parts of Europe, Asia, North Africa.

  • Historical Context:

  • Emerged after the split of Eastern Rome, often viewed as continuation of Roman governance.

Justinian I: Key Accomplishments

  • Absolute Power: Controlled government and church aspects.
  • Territorial Expansion:
  • Relaunched a military campaign to reclaim territories lost to Germanic tribes.
  • Military Leadership:
  • Sent General Belisarius to reclaim North Africa from Vandals and later Rome from Ostrogoths.
  • Building Projects:
  • Extensive construction under Justinian, including the Hagia Sophia, demonstrating wealth and architectural prowess.

Justinian’s Code

  • Legal Reforms:
  • Established a panel to consolidate and codify Roman law into a unified code, known as Corpus Juris Civilis, which influenced legal systems for 900 years.
  • Discussion Topics:
  • Definition of justice, natural law, civil law, and treatment of slaves as per the Code.
  • Comparison of historical and contemporary views on legal power and familial authority.

Byzantine Heritage and Learning

  • Education: Valued highly; children sent to schools, private tutors.
  • Cultural Preservation: Focused on maintaining and interpreting classic Greco-Roman literature and philosophy.

Economic Expansion

  • Trade Routes: The main street of Constantinople, the MESE, facilitated trade; important goods included tin, wine, cork, ivory, and gold.
  • Market Vitals: Open-air market attracted vendors from across regions, showcasing Byzantine prosperity.

Hagia Sophia

  • Architectural Significance: A key monument representing Byzantine architecture and religious devotion.
  • Historical Transition: Initially a Christian church, it later became a mosque.

Video Study Discussion Points

  • Review critical aspects of Justinian’s reign, including military actions, the Nika Rebellion, and the implications of his rule both during and after his reign.

Homework Assignments

  • Readings: Finish outlining and preparing for a reading quiz on specified chapters and lessons.
  • Video Discussion Questions: To complete based on the significant events from Justinian’s era.

Conclusion

  • The Byzantine Empire played a crucial role in preserving classical knowledge and culture while influencing legislative frameworks that persist into modern governance.