1. Fall of Rome
Rise of Byzantium

2. I. Fall of Rome The 3 Heirs to the Roman Empire
It became clear that no one empire could rule the Mediterranean world
Byzantine, Islamic, Western European
Each developed it’s own culture, religion, and language soon becoming rivals for the old “Roman Pond”

4. Christianity
Constantine became the 1st Christian Roman Emperor: gains power from Christian Church
Western Rome suffered from Barbarian invasion Christianity filled the power void
People cling to institutions, once the Roman government is gone, what is left?
The Church

5. Who replaced Rome as the Power Center in the Mediterranean?
Byzantium

6. II. Eastern Rome

7. Advantages of Constantinople
Connected to Asia, Europe and Africa by trade routes
Protected by natural features on 3 sides
Protected by mountains and Sea’s
Control of ALL trade moving from Asia to Europe
Heavily influenced by Rome

8. Justinian and Theodora
Expanded the Empire
Attempt to reclaim Roman territory
Head of both Church and State
Huge building projects
Hagia Sophia
“Justinian’s Code”
Code of Law
Base of most Western law today

9. Byzantine Empire After Justinian

15. Fall of Byzantium Invasion of Seljuk Turks
Crusades: series of Holy Wars: Byzantium asked Western Rome for help
Western armies sack (invade and rob) Constantinople
Turks take over Byzantium and re-name the capital Istanbul

16. III. Western Rome

18. Germanic Tribes
When Western Rome Falls Europe splits into individual tribal Kingdoms
Biggest = Franks (modern France)
Eventually Frankish King Clovis will Convert to Christianity; gets support from Rome; unifies kingdoms

19. Carolingian Empire
Charlemagne created a large empire in central Europe
Crowned himself a Roman Emperor (300 years AFTER Rome collapsed)
The IDEA of Rome will continue to
Dominate the rest of European history

20. Holy Roman Empire The Holy Roman Empire
Charlemagne begins the tradition of a Germanic King, crowned King of Rome, by the Pope =
The Holy Roman Empire
(Charlemagne was 806: Otto I considered the first Holy Roman Emperor in Empire continues until 1806)

21. Feudalism After Charlemagne's death empire gradually shrinks
Divided among sons
Barbarian invasion (Magyars, Hungary, Vikings)
Need for protection leads to the creation of self sustaining manors= feudalism
Viking Song