Justinian and the Byzantine Empire SSWH4 Analyze the importance of Justinian; include the influence of the Empress Theodora, Justinian’s Code, and Justinian’s efforts to recapture the west.

Reign of Justinian 5th century, Eastern Roman empire was centered around Constantinople Justinian became emperor in 527/ determined to reestablish the Roman empire in the Mediterranean/ reached his goals by 552

Constantinople

Life in Constantinople Largest city in Europe in the Middle Ages Based on trade until the 12th century/ Europe’s greatest center of Commerce During Justinian’s reign, silkworms were smuggled from China to begin a silk industry Hagia Sophia = church of Holy Wisdom Hippodrome = arena where gladiator fights & chariot races were held

Justinian and Theodora Autocrat – ruler who has complete authority Justinian ruled as an autocrat with the help of Theodora. Created a huge Christian empire Empire reached its greatest size

Justinian and Theodora Built Hagia Sophia Rebuilt the Hippodrome

Justinian and Theodora Justinian created the Body of Civil Law = code of Roman laws that was the basis of imperial law in Eastern Roman empire until its end in 1453 Aka Justinian’s Code

Justinian’s Code of Laws Laws were fairer to women. They could own property and raise their own children after their husbands died. Children allowed to choose their own marriage partners. Slavery was legal and slaves must obey their masters. Punishments were detailed and fit the crime His work inspired the modern concept and, indeed, the very spelling of "justice".

Emperor Justinian

Beginning of Byzantine Empire Justinian’s conquest left Eastern Roman empire with too much land to protect far from Constantinople Arab Muslims were the biggest threat to Eastern Roman Empire Islamic forces defeated an army of Eastern Roman at Yarmuk in 636 & lost Syria & Palestine 679, Bulgars defeated the Eastern Roman empire & took possession of the lower Danube Valley 8th century, Eastern Roman empire was much smaller (Asia minor & eastern Balkans)

Byzantine Empire Both a Greek & Christian state Greek replaced Latin as the official language Christian church became known as Eastern Orthodox Church Byzantine emperor controlled the church & the state Emperor appointed the head of the church Government & religious officials were all bound together in the service of a spiritual ideal

Byzantine Empire Macedonians ruled the Byzantine Empire from 876-1081 Macedonians expanded the empire Expanded trade relations w/ Western Europe Late 11th century = lot of political & social disorder

Byzantine Art: Mosaics and Illuminated Manuscripts

Hagia Sophia

The End of the Byzantine Empire The Byzantine empire drew to a close in 1453 when forces from the Muslim Ottoman Empire surrounded and conquered Constantinople. The ancient Christian city was renamed Istanbul and became the capital of the Ottoman Empire.