1. BYZANTINE EMPIRE

2. HEIR TO ROME Located in Constantinople on the Bosporus strait, which connected the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Constantinople

4. CONNECTIONS TO ROME Greek Language Cultural Diffusion Roman Cultural Influence

6. JUSTINIAN Emperor in 527 “Pericles” of Byzantium –built the Hagia Sophia Codified laws of ancient Rome –Corpus Juris Civilis –Justinian’s Code –Law until 1453 / basis for legal system of modern Europe

12. THEODORA Justinian’s Empress Heritage and personality Strong politician and negotiator One of her husband’s most valued advisors; almost a co- emperor

13. THEODORA

14. ALLIES OF THE WEST Buffer between East and West General Belisarius led Justinian’s forces and reclaimed much of Italy, Spain and North Africa from the Barbarians By 552, Justinian temporary wins the territory

16. Byzantium Problems Too much territory to govern, no money in the treasury, plague Islamic forces defeat Eastern Roman Empire at Yarmuk (636) Byzantium exists until 1453 when it is invaded by the Ottoman Turks

17. BYZANTINE (Orthodox) CHRISTIANITY Role of the Church Leader of the Church was the Patriarch Easter is the holiest day Orthodox priests can marry Greek, not Latin, is the official language of the church

18. GREAT SCHISM Byzantium weakened after Macedonians Major cause = use of icons Disputes began in 700s… Permanent schism in 1054 Excommunication – Pope v Patriarch 2001 - first meeting between Pope and Patriarch since the schism!

20. CONTRIBUTIONS Preserved knowledge of the Greeks and Romans Justinian’s Code of Law Protected Europe from various Asian invaders First important female historian – ANA COMMENA wrote ALEXIAD