1. One God, One Empire, One Religion
The Byzantine Empire
One God, One Empire, One Religion

2. The Empire

3. The Eastern Empire Germanic invasions Western Europe
Imperial power shifted to the Byzantine Empire (Eastern part of the Roman Empire).
Formal division of the empire (late 4th century)

4. Constantinople Constantinople Sole capitol (Constantine)- 330 C.E.
Very successful until the revival of the western empire (8th century)

5. The Empires Western Eastern Vast geographical area
Rural provinces
Susceptible to attack
Overreliance on Germanic peoples (armies)
Smaller, but wealthier
More urbanized and defensible
Black/Mediterranean Seas (trade)
Stronger army/navy
Continuation of Roman values/infastructure

6. The Reign of Justinian
Reign of Emperor Justinian (r ) and his wife Empress Theodora (d. 548)

7. The Imperial Goal: Unity
Centralize government
Impose legal and doctrinal conformity
Code of Justinian
Foundation for most aspects of European law through the 19th century
One God One Empire One Religion

8. Religion Christianity Church became very wealthy
Proclaimed the official religion (380 C.E.)
All other religions were considered “demented and insane”
Church became very wealthy
Clergy became “bloated”

9. Increase in Clergy
The prestige and comfort that the clergy enjoyed swelled the ranks of the clergy in the Eastern Church.

10. The Empire at Its Height
The empire was at its height In 565, during Justinian’s reign. It included most of the lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.

11. Contribution to Western Civilization
“Protective barrier”
Between western Europe and hostile Persian, Arab, and Turkish armies.
Major conduit of classical learning and science
Provided a model for “civilized” society