The Byzantine Empire

How did Justinian rebuild Constantinople after the rebellion?

He put large sums of money into public works, and soon enough, Constantinople was full of new bridges, public baths, parks, roads, and hospitals. He also built the Hagia Sophia, which means "Holy Wisdom". He also launched military campaigns to win back parts of territory that they lost. He won back parts of North Africa, Italy, and South-Eastern Spain.

According to Procopius, why is the reign of Justinian controversial?

He thought he was an insane murderer, plunder, and treacherous enemy.

What does Hagia Sophia mean in Greek?

Holy Wisdom

What did Theodora do as a young girl and teenager?

Participated in circus performances and became an actress as a teen.

What did the designers create to overcome the challenges of building a circular structure over a square base?

Pendentives

Where was Theodora born?

The island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea

What was the Final Straw that made Christianity split?

The pope is also known as the Bishop of Rome. As the Bishop of Rome, he claimed supremacy over the Bishops of other major cities, including Constantinople. This irritated the Bishop, or Patriarch (He preferred to be called this), of Constantinople. The eastern Patriarchs argued that the Pope had authority over only the west, and that the Patriarch of Constantinople had authority over the east. This disagreement peaked in 1054 when Pope Leo IX and Patriarch Michael 1 excommunicated each other. (Denied each other entrance to heaven.) This finalized the break in the Church that had been building for many years. Eastern Orthodoxy was born/

2 ways Byzantine EMpire used the location of Constantinople to its advantage

The position of Constantinople: Due to its trade routes in the Aegean Sea and the Black sea, the people of Constantinople were able to benefit in economics. Water access: They also had a wide range of water access, so they would regularly charged tolls for using their waterways. It basically allowed the people to control trade

List traits shown by both types of churches

-Belief in one god -Both had priests -Both believe in Jesus was the messiah -Both hold services in churches

Uses of the Hagia Sophia

-Church: Where people went to worship Christ -Mosque: Where muslim people worship their God -Museum: Where people now look at the history behind the magnificent building and look at the beautiful architectural work of art displayed before their eyes

Geography of Ultimate Location:

-Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine empire -Constantinople was a center for trade because it was in the middle of the mediterranean sea and the Black sea. -Constantinople had seawalls built on its coastline to further protect its city -Was on a peninsula and located on the southeastern end of Europe -the city sat along the strait of Bosporus -It was on the edge of Europe and Asia -It was renamed in 330 in honor of the Roman emperor, Constantine I. -The location near the seas was important for trade -The city was guarded on three sides by water. -Ships had to pass the city plenty of times -Constantinople was called Byzantine in ancient times

*How many people died as a result of the fighting? What happened to the city as a result of the fighting?

30,000 people died; Constantinople was in ruins

How long did Justinian 1's reign?

527 to 565

How high is the dome?

56 meters

What type of power did emperors have? What did they control?

Absolute power- control over state and churches

What did the city stretch across? Describe what it is.

Across the Bosporus which is a narrow stretch of water that connects the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

What laws did Theodora put into practice to help women?

Allowed women to divorce their husbands, widows to keep children, women to own property, and husbands can't beat their wives.

What is The Great Schism of 1054?

Also known as the East- West Schism, was the event that split Christian Church into eastern and western sects. Schism means split. This is significant because it represents the first definitive break in Christian unity. Out of this break came the western Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church.

What ancient language does the Cyrillic alphabet appear to be based off of?

Ancient language of Greek

What did Theodora's father do for work?

Animal trainer that specialized in training bears for circus performances

Where were the people of Constantinople getting goods from?

Asia, AFrica, and Mediterranean Region

Who were the builders of the Hagia Sophia?

Atheneas and Isadore

How can you tell bread was important to Byzantine people

Bakers were exempted from public service (including military) to keep bread rolling

How would these trade routes contribute to Costantinople's prosperity?

Because if Constantinople ran out of materials, or wanted to have more goods for a particular reason, they could use these trades routes to trade something that they have a plentiful amount of for what they need. It also helps that they have a lot of different countries/ areas to trade from, because it is surrounded by a lot of different places.

Why did Constantine choose to build the capital in this location?

Because of the defensive advantages provided by the eastern part of the empire

Why was Theodora and Justinian's marriage illegal or out of the norm?

Because they were from different classes. Theodora was an actress so it was weird for someone to marry a emperor that was from such a low class.

Background story of Theodora:

Born on the island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea. Her father was an animal trainer who specialized in training bears for circus work. As a young girl, Theodora participated in circus performances. In her teen age years, she became an actress. She married Justinian in 523 and Justinian ignored the law that forbade marriage against classes.

What material (supposedly coming from Rhodes) was specially made for this building?

Bricks

List the building projects Justinian started to help rebuild the city:

Bridges, Hospitals, Public baths, roads, and parks

How does Justinian prove his greatness?

By building the biggest dome

5 things about medicine in the Byzantine Empire

Their medical ideas were based off of their Greco-Roman predecessors The most famous textbook regarding medicine was called The Medical Compendium in Seven Books by Paul of Aegina Emperor Justinian subsidised private physicians for 6 months of the year to benefit the poor Almost all medicines given were herbal: violets, roses, water lilies, and etc Another Byzantine treatise, (that of the 13th century Nicholas Myrepsos, remained the pharmaceutical code of the Parisian medical facility until 1651

Who else deserves credit for the influence the legal reforms caused other than Justinian?

Theodora is considered fundamentally responsible for the success of his reign.

What did Justinian and Theodora do to stop this rebellion?

They hid in the palace while much of the city was in flames. Justinian's advisors wanted him to flee the city, but Theordora urged him to stay and fight. He did so and put down the revolt. According to the official court historian, Procopius, 30,000 people were killed and Constantinople was in ruins.

What did the Blues and Greens do in January 532?

They united against Justinian because some of the members of their group were arrested. Fighting broke out, spilled into the streets, and escalated into a full scale rebellion.

What was unique about the mortar used in the Hagia Sophia brick work?

Thicker than normal

What happened to Justinian and his wife, Theodora in January 532?

While they were at a chariot race at the Hippodrome, Blues and Greens often fought with each other, but this time, both groups were upset over the arrest of some of their group members. They united in denouncing him. Fighting broke out in the streets and escalated into a full scale rebellion.

History of the great palace of Constantinople

-Emperor Constantinople built the Great Palace of Constantinople after moving the Roman capital to Constantinople for himself and his heirs. -The Great Palace of Constantinople was a complex of buildings. -It was built on the slopes of an ancient hill in Constantinople. -The palace was surrounded by the ancient Hippodrome, the Hagia Sophia, and the Sea of Marmara. -The palace was built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century AD, then restored by Justinian I after the Nika riot. -The palace of Constantinople was expanded and modified frequently by different emperors such as Justinian l and ll. -The palace was later abandoned between 1204-1261, and it fell into ruins during the centuries of earthquakes and damage.

List traits shown only by the Eastern Orthodox

-Patriarch and other bishops lead the church -Emperor has authority over patriarch and bishops -Priests could marry -Services are conducted in Greek -Divorce was allowed under certain circumstances -Outlawed icons/ idols

List traits shown only by the Roman Catholic church

-Pope is head of the church -Pope claims authority over the emperors -Priests could not marry -Services in Latin -Divorce is not allowed -Allowed icons/ idols

History of Mosaics:

-The Greeks were the first to make mosaics. -A mosaic is a piece of art or image arranged with colored tiles and stones. -It was popular for being used as interior decoration. -The Greeks raised the pebble technique (where natural pebbles were used to form designs) into a form of art with shaped tiles that formed humans and animals.

Geography of Byzantine Empire:

-The winter were wet and cool in Europe and Asia and in Africa and Southwestern Asia was dry and hot -People grew grapes, olives, wheat, and barley. - The people herded many sheeps and goats - Covered lands that were once part of the Roman Empire - the Byzantine Empire included parts of the Balkan Peninsula, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia - The Byzantine Empire went across parts of southern and eastern Europe. - the byzantine empire was considered a continuation of the Roman empire - Southwestern Asia and northern Africa had hotter and drier climate. - Covered areas of land that were once part of Roman Empire. - In 330 the city was renamed in honor of the Roman emperor Constantine I. -During the winter,the weather was wet and cool - Merchants and craftspeople lived in cities and towns.

How were Mosaics created?

1. A base needed to be prepared first with fresh mortar. -Mortar is paste that is used to seal concrete and stones together. 2. Mosaics were made with small colored squares or tiles that were around .5 to 1.5 cm. -Making mosaic glass was hard and time consuming. -After mosaic glass was created, it was stretched, shrunk, and cut into small pieces for the mosaic. 3. These squares are also known as tesserae or tessellae 4.T hey were cut from materials such as marble, tile, glass, glass paint pottery, stones, and shells. 5. The tiles were placed as close together as possible. 6. Gaps were filled in with liquid mortar. (process called grouting) 7. When the mosaic was finished, it was cleaned and polished

List factors of the collapse of the Byzantine Empire

1. Justinian's Plague (Bubonic Plague) -thousands were dying every day -After it faded away, a huge portion of the population was destroyed 2. Attacks/ Invasions -Frequent raids from: Lombards, Avars, Bulgars, and Salvs (must know these four) -With the rise of Islam, many Arab armies attacked relentlessly -Constantinople finally falls to the Ottoman Turks who invaded in 1453

What were mosaics used for?

1. Mosaic was used to express thoughts and views through art in the Byzantine Empire. 2. They were originally used to represent religious figures such as Jesus and different people/ scenes from the bible. 3. Later, mosaics began to be made and used for non religious purposes as well. 4. By the time of Justinian's reign, mosaics were directed by the Emperor and highly ranked officials. 5. During Justinian's reign, mosaics began to be made to decorate the interior of churches and other big and important structures.

History of the Hagia Sophia

1. The Hagia Sophia was once a church that turned into a mosque. Now, it's a museum. 2. Hagia Sophia means "holy wisdom". It was built after the Nika riots by Justinian (builders were Atheneas and Isadore), partially in hopes of distracting the angry citizens and for Justinian to prove his "greatness". 3. The way it was built is pretty famous. -The dome of the Hagia Sophia was the tallest of the time, at a overwhelming height of 56 meters. -The designers had to build a circular structure over a square base by building pendentives, which is a curved triangle formed by the crossing of a dome and the supporting arches. -A special brick from Rhodes was also transported. It was made with exceptionally thick mortar.

Why was the Hippodrome used?

1. The Hippodrome's main function during the Byzantine Empire was for horse racing. One stadium could seat up to 100,000 people. 2. Political discussions were held during this event as well. 3. It also showed the wealth of the city, Constantinople. After going to the Hippodrome, people would talk about the success of the city. 4. It also featured many statues and artworks that had been found after different disastrous events, such as wars. -These reminded citizens of the power they had claimed and let visitors know the greatness of Constantinople. 5. Social activities were also held in the Hippodrome. People distributed vegetables, bread, fish, and cakes to the poor in order to stabilize and help the poor as well as establish an advanced charity system. 6. Coronations, parties, and parades were also held here. It was like a circus.

Uses of the Great Palace of Constantinople

1. The Palace of Constantinople used to be the homes of the royal residence of the Byzantine Emperors. -It was built by Emperor Constantinople for himself and his successors. 2. It also served as the center of Imperial Administration for the Eastern Roman Empire for around 800 years, before it was destroyed. 3. Today, only a few remnants of its original foundation have survived.

History of the Hippodrome

1. The idea of the Hippodrome was provided by Emperor Septimius Severus. -After he put down a rebellion, he introduced an arena for entertainment such as chariot racing. 2. Emperor Constantine, however, was the one who actually shaped the Hippodrome. -One of his greatest achievements include the renovations he made on it.

Geography of Byzantine Empire: Roots of an Empire

Byzantine Empire was considered a continuation of the Roman Empire. Covered areas of land that were once part of the Roman Empire. At its height, the Byzantine Empire stretched across parts of sourthern and eastern Europe. Included parts of Balkan Peninsula, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia. Summers were dry and hot in the southern and eastern parts of Europe. During winter, weather was wet and cool. People grew grapes, olives, wheat, and barley. Most people lived in villages. Many people herded sheep or goats. Climate in north Africa and most of southwestern Asia was drier and hotter. Winters were warm or mild. Desert regions received little rainfall. Herders moved from place to place to feed their goats, sheep, or camels. Merchants and craftspeople lived in towns or cities and sold and made goods.

What was the name of the city before it was called Constantinople?

Byzantium

How did Theodora die?

Cancer around the age of 48. Historians noted a lack of direction in Justinian's rule after the death of his wife.

Constantinople became a center of what during this time period?

Center of commerce

What did Byzantium, Capitol of the Byzantine Empire eventually become?

Constantinople

Ultimate Location of the capital of the Byzantine Empire

Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Was the perfect location on the edge of Europe and Asia/ Was located on a peninsula at the southeastern end of Europe/ City sat along the strait of Bosporous. Helped link the Black Sea and Mediterreanean Sea. Ships traveling between the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea had to pass Bosporous and made Constantinople an important center for trade. City was guarded on three sides by water. Constantinople was called Byzantium in ancient times. For more protection, leaders built sea walls along the coasts.

Blend of Culture in the Byzantine Empire

Developed its own culture. Mixed Greek languages and Roman customs. Like Romans, most Byzantines lived in wooden houses. Like Roman cities, the city offered public baths, steam rooms, and swimming pools. Hippodrome in an ancient Greek stadium was used for horse and chariot racing. Chariot racing was popular form of entertainment in the Byzantine Empire. Chariot races were held in the Hippodrome in Constantinople. The Hippodrome was teh center of entertainment, ceremonies, and celebrations. Byzantines called themselves Romans but spoke mostly Greek. Constantinople became the main center of art, architecture, and education. The city's location helped bring a blend of European and Asian cultures. Byzantine Empire began to become strong after the western part of Roman Empire grew weak.

How did Theodora die? How did this impact Justinian?

Died of cancer at the age of 48. Justinian lacked direction and intensity.

Differences between Eastern and Western churches?

During the years apart, they developed different practices and doctrines. (religious beliefs or rules) East: Services conducted in Greek which was the language of the majority of people. West: Services conducted in Latin, which continued in the Roman Catholic Church until 1950s East: Priests were allowed to marry West: Churches wouldn't embrace this and Roman Catholic Church continued to disallow this practice East: Divorce was allowed in certain circumstances West: Forbid Divorce and continues to frown on it today Finally, icons, or religious pictures that were used to aid in worships. Eastern churches had outlawed their use, suggesting it was idol worship. The west disagreed with this policy

What is the result of The Great Schism?

Eastern Orthodox eventually dominated Eastern Europe in a form of Greek and Russian Orthodoxy. It helps to expalin some of the cultural differences between eastern and western Europe. The split was nasty and left hard feelings that spilled over into the Crusades. Western knights sacked Constantinople and killed Orthodox Christians.

List 3 types of fruits or vegetables that were available

Eggplants Oranges Lemons

How did new laws impact the economy?

Encouraged economic growth

What goods were coming into the city?

Enslaved people, corn, fur, ivory, jewels, rare spices, and silk

How was Theodora exceptional?

Exceptionally intelligent, beautiful, and charming

What evidence is there that shows Constantinople would be a center of cultural diffusion?

Families from all over the empire and different countries were summoned to populate Constantinople.

What is Justinian most famous for, excluding the Hagia Sophia?

For creating a systematic body of law. Under his direction, a committee studied the thousands of laws the Byzantines had inherited from the Roman Empire. They revised outdated and confusing laws and made improvements, like extending women's property rights. This is known as Justinian's Code. It became the basis for many legal codes in the western world.

What goods came from Northern Europe

Furs, honey and timber

What did Procopius, the court historian, write about Justinian?

Glowing accounts of his achievements, but in "Secret History," a book he wrote, he called him a treacherous enemy who is insane for murder and plunder. Throughout Byzantine history, distrust and divisions plagued the court and Justinian's was no exception.

What is the Hagia Sophia and what does the name mean?

Grand Church that means holy wisdom. Is one of the msot famous buildings in the world today

Who came to the empire as a result of the building projects?

Hundreds of skilled craftspeople, artisans, and architects

When did Theodora marry Justinian?

In 32

The Ottoman Turks converted the city to which religion?

Islam

Why was this location important for sea trade?

It gave them control over a safe harbor which was used for merchant ships

What is the Nika Rebellion? What did Justinian want to do during the rebellion?

It was a revolt by government officials and common people to kill Justinian and get rid of high taxes. Justinian wanted to flee the city.

Why was the city a central hub for international trade?

It was a transit point between Europe and Asia, it sat on the land routes between the east and west

What does the writing of historians at the time prove to us about the building?

It was extraordinarily impressive

What goods came from Africa

Ivory and gold

Who was General Belisarius?

Justinian's best general that fought off Germanic tribes

Justinian is the most famous for his law code. What improvements did he make to laws?

Made law less confusing and updated rights for women. This is called Justinian Code.

Define infrastructure

Mass transit, highways, communications, water, and other public goods needed to support a population

What is the main profession of the men who live on the western bank of the city?

Men of commerce with one of the largest harbors in the world?

Typical clothing for a woman and a man in the Byzantine Empire

Men: Flowing shirt or tunic- dalmatica Women: Stolas which were like dresses Garments were close to the neck, had sleeves all the way to the wrist, and bottom edges that extended to the ground. Layered clothing. SIlk was loved and fabrics were traded.

What is commodity money?

Money that has an alternative use for an economic good

Justinian is similar to which Roman Emperor?

Nero

Hagia Sophia was built after the riots called

Nika

Who designed the Hagia Sophia?

No architects. Just two mathmaticians. In result, it's dome combines Greek balance and proportions with Roman engineering skills.

Justinian also led military expeditions. What territory did he gain back?

North Africa, Italy, and Southern Spain

What territories did Belisarius gain back>

North Africa, Italy, parts of pain, and some of Rome

Describe the harbor of Constantinople

One of the largest harbors in the world with more than 100 sailing ships

Why is the eastern part of the city more secure

The city lies at the foot of a hill that projects 9 miles into the sea. On the top of the hill is a small citadel that is well protected, and impossible to be taken over by invaders in the sea. There are walls that border this hill, and inside the protection of the walls are villages.

What type of meat was available?

Pigs were very common. Lambs were eaten though they were expensive. Beef was rarely eaten because cattle were considered "work animals". Byzantine people loved botargo (salted mullet roe). No meat or fish were allowed during fasting days.

What did Theodora become to Justinian other than wife?

Principal ally and adviser for the rest of her life.

READ THROUGH "JUSTINIAN AND THE 'NEW ROME'" DOCUMENT

READ THROUGH "JUSTINIAN AND THE 'NEW ROME'" DOCUMENT

What did Theodora champion as empress?

Rights of women. At her behest, Justinian issued laws against husbands abusing their wives. Women became allowed to divorce and own property and widows were allowed to keep children instead of surrendering them to a male relative.

SImilarities and differences of Greek letters and Cyrillic letters

Similarities: SImilar sounds and pronunciations Differences: Majority of the letters look different.

Why did Constantine choose to build Constantinople on top of a hill

So that Constantinople was still visible from sea to the sailors and to be able to defend Constantinople easily from high ground.

Theodora was involved in nearly every aspect of Justinian's reign. The opinions of advisers were accepted or rejected by Justinian based on her opinion. What was Theodora most famous for? Which contribution?

The Nika Rebellion. Government officials organized a revolt among common people that shared hatred of the high taxes of Justinian's reign. Emperor panicked and almost fled when Theodora stopped him and persuaded him to fight. He won and didn't face a serious challenge to reign thereafter.

The legal reforms he commanded have influenced what?

The Western law ever since. Art and architecture thrived. Impressive public works projects were completed. Important scholarship was supported.

What did Justinian's advisers want him to do and what did Theodora want?

The advisors wanted him to flee the city, but Theodora wanted him to stay and fight.

Describe the Hagia Sophia:

Vast rectangle that measures 102 feet and 263 feet. Center is a square area topped by a dome. At the front and back of the square are half circles topped by half domes. Along other sides are aisles separated from teh central anve by pillars. Central dome has diameter of 102 feet and nave rises to a height of 184 feet. Dome rests on four corner supports. These "legs" hold up the dome and the walls underneath the arches aren't needed for support. Instead they're made of columns and windows that allow light to stream into church's inside. According to contemporary observer, dome seems to float. Interior decoration had to be large and bright so worshippers could see it from many feet away. Inside is colored with marble and gold mosaics. Mosaics illustrate Old Testament and local history. Famous mosaics: The virign and CHild with the Emperors Justinian and COnstantine. Left side of Virgin is Justinian, carrying a small church. Right is Cosntantine, holding a small city. Symbolically shows that Byzantine church and state are both in service to heaven.

Do you think most of Justinian's subjects and advisers approved of Theodora's influence?

We don't think men approved because their marriage was illegal, she was giving women many new rights, and she encouraged him to fight instead of run, or escape when the Nika revolt took place.

What types of people inhabit the western bank of the city?

Western European Christians: Genoese, Venetians, Romans, and people of France