The Byzantine Empire: Study Guide
Key Terms:
Byzantine Empire = The society that devoloped in the eastern Roman Empire after the west fell
Corruption = The decay of people's value
Justinian = An emporor ruled from 527 to 565, reuniting rhe empire was a passtion Please answer the following questions below by researching the answers from the reading:
6.2 Constantinople
Why Constantinople was ideally located to be the capital of the Byzantine Empire?
· Near sea = good for trade
· Surrounded by water on three sides so it was easy to defend
What were some details about Constantinople that are interesting and important in your opinion?
· Cites language & culture was Greek
· Had chariot races in the hippodrome
· Despite it was rich city, many people were poor
6.3 The Reign of Justinian I
1. What event forced Justinian to start rebuilding parts of Constantinople?
Revolt and rioting against Justinian.
2. Describe how was Justinian's Code came to be:
He took Roman laws and revised old (bad) laws, took good laws and made Justinian code.
3. How has Justinian’s Code affected the modern world?
It became the basis for many legal codes in the western world.
6.4 The Eastern Orthodox Church
1. What was the relationship between religion and government in the Byzantine Empire?
The emperor is not just the head of government, but also the living representatives of God in the church. (head)
2. What language was the Orthodox liturgy conducted in and why?
Conducted in Greek or in the local language of the people.
3. How does the architecture of the church reflect Orthodox views?
Dome = Heaven
Base = Earth
Decoration = could be like in God's kingdom
6.5 Conflict between East and West
1.Why did Byzantine emperor Leo III forbid the use of icons in 730 C.E.?
· Because he believed that people might be worshipping.
· The icon, instead of Jesus and God.
2. How did the Pope react to Leo's order?
So the Pope excommunicates emperor Leo.
3. How did the relationship between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church change in 1054?
Roman Catholic Church V.S. Eastern Orthodox ChurchLatin Schism Greek
No iconoclasm (splits) Yes iconoclasm
