Chapter 6 Section Questions

What event forced Justinian I to start rebuilding parts of Constantinople?

Large parts of the city were ruined when fighting in the Hippodrome spilled into the streets and escalated into a rebellion.

What about Constantinople's location made it an ideal capital of the Byzantine Empire?

Constantinople was located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, and the many sea and overland trade routes linking east and west. Under the Byzantines, this location helped make the city, and some of its citizens, it was wealthy.

Suppose that you are a trader visiting Constantinople for the first time. Write an email to a friend back home describing what you see as you walk through the city's streets. Address your email to a friend in a faraway land selected from the map in this section of your book.

Dear Sallie, Constantinople is like nothing you have ever seen! It is the largest and richest urban center in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea during the late Eastern Roman Empire, mostly as a result of its strategic position commanding the trade routes between the Aegean Sea and the Black Sea. Traders walk the streets for fun. There is even a famous church Hagia Sophia that everyone goes to. Many in the city create a thriving city full of activity. It is a beautiful city, Sallie. Your friend.

Why was Justinian's Code significant?

Justinian's code was an organized collection and explanation of the Roman laws, it is important because it became the basis for legal systems of most modern European countries.

For each image below, list at least two important details. Then, explain how each image illustrates aspects of Eastern Orthodox faith.

Many Orthodox Christians believe icons such as this bring them closer to God. Jesus, or the Pantocrator (ruler of all), holding a Gospel and giving a blessing, rules over everything, according to Eastern Orthodox belief.

For each image below, list at least two important details. Then, explain how each image illustrates aspects of Eastern Orthodox faith.

Many Orthodox Christians believe icons such as this bring them closer to God. St. Cyril helped create the Cyrillic alphabet, which allowed scholars to translate the Bible for people in the Byzantine Empire.

What were some of the improvements made to Constantinople as a result of Justinian's public works projects?

New bridges, public baths, parks, roads, and hospitals.

Describe the relationship between religion and government in the Byzantine Empire.

Religion and government were closely linked. The emperor was believed to be both the head of the government and the living representative of Jesus Christ.