Byzantine Empire A.D. 330-A.D. 1453

“New Rome” At first, Byzantines followed Roman ways. At first, Byzantines followed Roman ways. Hippodrome was used for chariot races. Hippodrome was used for chariot races. Emperors spoke Latin and enforced Roman laws. Emperors spoke Latin and enforced Roman laws. As time passed, Byzantines became more Greek. As time passed, Byzantines became more Greek. Spoke Greek. Spoke Greek. Officials began to speak Greek too. Officials began to speak Greek too. Between A.D. 500 and A.D. 1200, Byzantines had one of the world’s richest and most advanced empires. Between A.D. 500 and A.D. 1200, Byzantines had one of the world’s richest and most advanced empires.

Emperor Justinian Ruled from A.D. 527 to A.D Ruled from A.D. 527 to A.D Strong leader. Strong leader. Wanted to reunite the Roman Empire. Wanted to reunite the Roman Empire. Had to conquer Western Europe and Northern Africa. Had to conquer Western Europe and Northern Africa. Conquered too much, too quickly. Conquered too much, too quickly. Empress Theodora helped Justinian rule the empire. Empress Theodora helped Justinian rule the empire. Increased the rights of women. Increased the rights of women.

Justinian’s Law Code Tribonian and a group of legal scholars were ordered to reform the law code. Tribonian and a group of legal scholars were ordered to reform the law code. Code became known as Justinian’s Code. Code became known as Justinian’s Code. Simplified and easily understood. Simplified and easily understood. Influenced laws of almost every European country. Influenced laws of almost every European country.

Byzantine Culture Trading was very important. Trading was very important. Silk weaving was a major industry (A.D. 550). Silk weaving was a major industry (A.D. 550). Art and Architecture were also important. Art and Architecture were also important. Spread Christianity throughout Eastern Europe. Spread Christianity throughout Eastern Europe. Family was the center of social life. Family was the center of social life. Byzantines copied the writings of Ancient Greeks and Romans. Byzantines copied the writings of Ancient Greeks and Romans.

Hagia Sophia—”Holy Wisdom”

Which civilization do you think was the most advanced—that of the Greeks, the Romans, or the Byzantines? Which civilization do you think was the most advanced—that of the Greeks, the Romans, or the Byzantines? Include a topic sentence and supporting details. Include a topic sentence and supporting details. Write it on notebook paper. Write it on notebook paper.