Byzantine and Ottoman Empires Overview

Byzantine Empire

  • Western Rome and Eastern Byzantine/Constantinople: Both are Roman Empires.

Age of Justinian

  • Became Emperor in 527 after succeeding his uncle.
  • Goals:
    • Revive Roman glory.
    • Secure North Africa from Germanic tribes (16 years of campaigning).
  • Achievements:
    • Regained most of Italy and parts of Spain.
  • Justinian Codes:
    • The Code: 5,000 Roman laws.
    • The Digest: Summaries of Roman law thinkers (50 volumes).
    • The Institute: Law textbook for students.
    • The Novellae: New laws created post-534 CE.
  • Rebuilt Constantinople's fortifications (14-mile stone wall).
  • Built significant churches to symbolize church-state connection (e.g., Hagia Sophia, 537 CE).
  • Sought to preserve Greco-Roman culture (schools teaching philosophy, Greek/Latin).

Theodora

  • Justian’s powerful wife, formerly an actress.
  • Joint ruler involved in writing to foreign leaders, passing laws, and church building.
  • Helped survive the Nika Revolt in 532 CE.
  • Developed reforms for women’s rights and banned child killing.
  • Justinian went into depression after her death in 548 CE.

The Church Divides

  • 1054: Great Schism due to political conflicts and differing beliefs.

The Empire Falls

  • Justinian's death marked setbacks:
    • Bubonic plague (10,000 dead/day).
    • Attacks from foreign enemies.
    • Byzantine empire shrank despite diplomatic efforts.
  • Constantinople fell to Ottoman Turks in 1453.

Ottoman Empire Origins

  • Founded by Sultans Osman in 1299.
  • Replaced the Byzantine Empire in the Eastern Mediterranean.
  • Founded on Islam, tolerant of other religions.
  • Key events:
    • 1352: expanded into Europe.
    • 1453: Janissaries conquered Constantinople.
    • 1517: Gained control over Egypt and the North African Coast.

Ottoman Expansion

  • Suleiman (1520-1566): Peak power and stability, made it the richest empire in Europe and Southwest Asia.
  • Increased navy strength; built strong fortresses.
  • Expanded territories using technology (gunpowder, cannons).
  • Economy thrived on trade routes (porcelain, silk, spices).

Break Up of Ottoman Empire

  • 1633: Failed invasion of Vienna ended expansion efforts.
  • Weak leadership and failure to modernize led to decline in the 1700s.
  • Became known as 'The sick man of Europe' in the 1800s due to internal strife.

Medieval Africa

  • Different climate zones (Savannah, Mediterranean).

Aksum Kingdom

  • Foundation along trading routes; contact with Arab traders.
  • Christianity became state religion in 330 AD.
  • Declined due to Islamic invasions (Adulis destroyed in 710 CE).

East African Trading States

  • Increased trade activity in cities like Mogadishu and Mombasa.

Arab Conquests

  • Conquered North Africa in the 7th century, spreading Islam through trade.
    • Example: Leader of Ghana converted to Islam, affecting trading power.

Western African Civilizations

  1. Ghana: Wealthy from gold and salt trade.
  2. Mali:
    • King Sundiata developed agriculture; Mansa Musa expanded trade, made Timbuktu a center of learning.
  3. Songhai:
    • Conquered Mali; fell to Muslim Berbers.

Ibn Battuta

  • Muslim traveler who documented Islamic world, praised Timbuktu but criticized lack of strict Islamic practices.