1. Chapter 12 Section 1 notes
The Eastern Roman Empire became known as the Byzantine Empire
The capital was Constantinople “The city of Constantine”

2. Justinian
Justinian and his wife Theodora tried to restore the Roman empire through military action
He codified laws now called the Justinian Code
Justinian also had the Hagia Sofia(a church) built

3. Byzantine Culture
The Emperor was considered a priest- king (Linking Politics and Religion)
Christianity influenced all aspects of life including the Arts (Much of the Art was biblical in nature)
Mosaics were a common artistic expression used

4. The first Church split The empire was becoming more Greek than Roman
Controversy emerged over the use of Icons, paintings and sculptures of sacred figures, in the practice of Christianity
Some thought the use of Icons were too close to idol worship (Iconoclasts) this included the Byzantine Emperor Leo III who forbid the use of Icons
There was also dispute about the role of the Pope
In 1054 differences led to a Schism or split between the churches creating two distinct churches,the Orthodox church in the east and the Western church remained the Roman Catholic Church

5. The Empire doesn’t strike back
Muslims were a constant threat to the empire
The Empire has some internal weakness as a result of two different views and cultures emerging
The government in Constantinople was made of well educated, aristocrats they wanted to expand government and restrain military
In the provinces the people wanted to expand the military to protect against invading forces
The differences weakened the empire and Muslim Turks took over including Constantinople in 1453