1. Ch2.3: The Early Byzantine Empire
EQ’s:
How did the Byzantine Empire’s location, and the city of Constantinople, influenced its culture?
2. Explain why did the church split into 2 and their major differences.

2. Remember! Rome was split into two pieces by Emperor Diocletian
The western portion of Rome fell to invaders
The eastern part survived and became known as the Byzantine Empire

3. Justinian I
After Western Roman Empire fell, Byzantine Empire rose to great heights
In large part due to powerful ruler named Justinian I
Justinian reigned (ruled) from

4. The Rule of Justinian Expanded the Byzantine Empire
Recaptured some of Rome’s lost land from Germanic tribes
Developed legal code known as the Justinian Code
used in Byzantine for 900 years
Did many public works –
Built many churches, palaces, and other buildings
Hagia Sophia – a famous church
Justinian's code was an organized collection and explanation of the Roman laws. Justinian updated Roman law (got rid of old law).
Laws were a basis for criminal law, marriage, property, slavery and women’s rightsmportant because it became the basis for legal systems of most modern european countries.
He built a large and impressive palace where he lived with his wife, and trusted advisor, Empress Theodora.

6. A good video to show here on the Hagia Sophia can be found here:

7. Have students note the minarets that are in this picture and explain that this illustration came from when the Hagia Sophia was turned into a mosque.

10. Stop! Review Question: What were some of Justinian’s main accomplishments?

11. FYI: Theodora and Justinian
Theodora was Justinian’s wife
Met when she was an actress
An old Roman law forbid an emperor to marry an actress so Justinian got rid of the law
Theodora had a lot of power and influence in Justinian’s decisions as ruler

12. Wife of Emperor Justinian Raised in poverty and became an actress
Most powerful woman in Byzantine history
Met with foreign envoys (Representatives) & leaders, passed laws
Protected women’s rights
In 1532 a rebellion broke out and her husband and advisors wanted to flee the palace.
Theodora convinced them to stay and fight and Tens of thousands protestors were killed
Historians believe that such action saved Justinian’s crown

13. Rise of Constantinople
Location of Constantinople played key role in city’s growth
located between Europe and southwest Asia
Became center of trade and business
merchants sold items from Asia, Africa, and all over Europe
Citizen’s enjoyed free entertainment in the Hippodrome (city’s large arena)
The main street that ran through the city was the Mese (MEHS-ee) or “middle way”
On the street you could see the merchant stalls line the street selling their products

14. The Hippodrome – City’s Large Arena

15. Stop. Review Questions: 1. Why was Constantinople able to grow. 2
Stop! Review Questions: 1. Why was Constantinople able to grow? 2. What were some of the main attractions of Constantinople?

16. Influences From Others
Byzantine Empire was greatly effected by different cultures from East AND West
goods and ideas from other countries throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe were exchanged
Byzantine was built on Roman foundations and ideas but it also developed its own ways

17. Byzantium = Constantinople = Istanbul
Western Europe
East – Gateway to Asia and Middle East 
© Students of History -

18. Stop! Review Question: What effect did the Byzantine Empire’s location have on its culture?

19. Disagreements Split Christianity
Christianity was the main religion in Byzantine Empire and the West but it developed differently in each place
Differences led to split in Christian church
Led to two distinct European civilizations
Even though the Western Roman Empire fell Christianity remained a strong influence in the region

20. FYI: Remember: Christianity in the Empire
Christianity began during the Roman Empire
Constantine allowed it to flourish by stopping all attacks on Christians.
By the fall of Rome it was well established in Europe and had a huge following

21. Christian Structure
In a church - Priests led small groups of Christians
Bishops supervised several churches and priests
Head bishop of all Rome was known as the Pope
Pope was head of entire Christian Church

22. Rome - Home of the Pope
City of Rome (located in the former Western Roman Empire) was home to the Pope and the center of Christianity

23. Clash of Popes and Emperors
As Byzantine Empire grew emperors often did not get along with the Pope
Byzantine emperors (also known as the Head of State) considered themselves the final authority on religious issues
The Pope insisted that they had the final say on religious issues

24. FYI: Example of Debate Over Religious Power:
Byzantine emperor/Head of State, Leo III, banned use of icons
Icons = religious images used by Eastern Christians to aid in prayer (Pictures, crosses, etc)
Emperor Leo III said use of icons was idol worship (belief in false gods)

25. Religious images used by Christians for devotion
Thought to connect believer to image in the icon
The Pope supported icons but in the east idol worship was banned

28. FYI: One Example of Debate Over Religious Power: Pope’s Response
The Pope disagreed and supported the use of icons
He excommunicated (removed from the church) Emperor Leo III

29. The Church Splits
In 1054 differences lead to a schism, or official split, between the 2 groups
Result = creation of 2 new Christian religions:
Roman Catholic Church (Church of the West)
Eastern Orthodox Church (Church of the East)
Differences between Eastern and Western Christians continued to grow leading to the schism, or split
After the split both churches still embrace many of the same principles of Christianity
But have different structures and beliefs to set them apart especially in the area of the church-state relations

30. Split occurred in the 16th century
Christianity
Roman Catholic
Protestant
Eastern Orthodox
The Split occurred in 1054
Split occurred in the 16th century

31. Stop! Review Question: Power between which two people lead to a schism/split in the Christian church?

33. Who has Authority
In Roman Catholicism Pope claimed authority over church AND kings and emperors
In Eastern Orthodoxy, emperor (Head of State) ruled over the patriarch (leader of Eastern Orthodox church)

34. Stop! Review Question: How did the schism of 1054 affect the Christian church? Who has authority over the Eastern Orthodox Church?

35. FYI:Lesson Summary:
After the Western Roman Empire fell, the Byzantine Empire continued many Roman ways
Influenced by both Rome and the East, the Byzantines developed a unique culture
Disagreements within the Christian church caused it to split into two separate churches

36. Why It Matters Now…
Today, millions of people still practice Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy

37. Summary:
Complete a 10 sentence minimum summary answering the EQ’s with details!
Remember to PROVE your summary answer supporting your answers with facts!
Remember the EQ’s were:
Describe how the Byzantine Empire’s location, including the city of Constantinople, influenced its culture.
Describe why the church split into 2 and how the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches are different.