Chapter 13- Byzantine Empire

Justinian Code

Code was for all, outlined basic rights of citizens, created based on principles of the 12 tables (Roman law code) outlaws GLADIATOR GAMES

St Cyril and St Methodus

Create Cyrillic alphabet

Caeseropapism

Idea that the emperor controls both the state and the Church, can be seen in Leo III's actions of the iconoclast movement (power over Church)

Trade

Large plantations developed, Constantinople dominates trade routes going to Asia, Africa, and Europe. Government taxed every trade transaction, Constantinople benefits from access to exotic goods

4th crusade

Launched to reunify the two sects of Christianity and reclaim the Holy Land. Crusaders end up sacking and pillaging Constantinople, weakening it severely (never fully recovers)

Moscow as 3rd Rome

Moscow is often referred to as a 3rd Rome due to Rome's influence on the city and how it served as a place that preserved Roman culture for centuries

Iconoclasm

Movement by Leo III to ban all icons, as he believed prayer to them was unholy and unjust. Icons were destroyed or hidden until the policy was revoked

Schism

Occurs in 1054, over disputes of practices, ceremonies, rules, and other topics. Forms the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic sects (Roman Catholic is Western)

Ottoman Turks and the 1453 fall of constantinople

Ottoman Turks conquer Constantinople in 1453, marking the fall of the Byzantine Empire

Constantine

Ruler of Byzantine, moved capital to Constantinople (named after himself), left a legacy of absolute power and control in rule

Saljuq turks, Battle of Manzikert

Seljuk Turks conquer Anatolia (bread basket of Byzantine Empire), marks beginning of Byzantine decline SELGUQ ARE MUSLIM

Greek Lanuage, Culture

The Byzantine Empire preserved and added to the Greek culture and language. Western Europe will later rediscover Greek culture because of the preserving done by the Byzantine Empire

Theme system

Themes are provinces run by generals appointed by the ruler, generals protect their citizens and collect taxes. Generals can conscript peasants in times of crisis, system helped protect Byzantine Empire until its fall in 1453 (Constantinople is sacked by Ottoman Turks)

Diocletian

attempts to save Roman Empire by splitting it, creating Byzantine Empire and causing the fall of the Western Roman Empire

Russia- Kiev; Byzantine Influence

capital of Russia. Influenced by Byzantine architecture as Russians studied Constantinople, influenced as well by adoption of Eastern Orthodox faith

Vladimir

converts all of Russia to Eastern Orthodox faith, connecting Byzantine Empire and Russia.

Yaroslav the Wise

creates laws in Russia based on Justinian's law code

Hippodrome and Chariot Racing

large arena for chariot racing, the favorite sport of the Byzantines. Demes were groups that resembled teams, most notably the Greens and Blues. Demes also held political and social significance and influence

Emperor Leo

led iconoclast movement, crowns Charlemagne emperor of the HRE

Geographic Location of Constantinople

located on Bosporus strait b/w the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, provided barriers from invaders as well as an excellent trading location

Justinian and Theodora

most influential ruler of the Byzantine Empire. Under his rule, the Roman Empire was nearly reconquered, the Nika Revolt was stopped, the city was rebuilt lavishly (Hagia Sophia was created), etc. Theodora was an unconventional queen as she was not born into royalty; she "saved" the city during the Nika Revolt by refusing to leave causing Justinian to reconsider and quell the rebellion

Cyrillic Alphabet

related to Slavic languages, serve as missionaries and help to spread Christianity to Russia