1. The Byzantine Empire Constantinople: capital city of Byzantine Empire; ancient Byzantium; modern Istanbul Constantine: Roman Emperor who moved capital to Byzantium Roman Emperor Constantine became a Christian and stopped persecution of Christians Moved capital city to Byzantium in eastern empire, renamed it Constantinople

2. The Byzantine Empire Citizens of Constantinople were still called Byzantines Empire eventually split in two – one capital in Rome (Holy Roman Empire), one in Constantinople The eastern half of empire was stronger and wealthier Strait – narrow body of water separating two land masses Bosporus – strait separating Europe and Asia; connects Black Sea to Mediterranean

3. The Byzantine Empire Constantinople was at crossroads of land and sea trade routes Was located on the Bosporus City charged taxes for all goods passing through the city – grew wealthy

4. The Byzantine Empire Justinian’s Code: collection of Roman laws and explanations for them and their use; became basis for many modern legal systems 476 Holy Roman (western) Empire falls Justinian was a great Byzantine ruler Main contribution was organizing laws in Justinian’s Code

5. The Byzantine Empire Greek Fire: Ancient weapon that was a substance that would burn without going out – even in water; formula now lost to history Emperors after Justinian had to fight many wars against neighbors Greek Fire used to defend themselves

6. The Byzantine Empire Schism: Split – usually between two groups who originally had similar beliefs Byzantines were Christian Celebrated differently from Christians in West In 1054 founded their own church: Eastern (Greek) Orthodox Christians in West were called Catholics

7. The Byzantine Empire Conflicts with Turks and others weakened empire Catholic Christian Crusaders and Muslims often attacked empire 1453 force of 70,000 Muslim Turks laid siege to Constantinople 7,000 defenders held out for two months

8. The Byzantine Empire Empire fell in 1453 Muslims took over, rebuilt the city and renamed it Istanbul

9. The Byzantine Empire