1) Why was Constantinople important?
The Eastern Roman Empire, also called Byzantine, reached it's peak in the 500's. It included west of Italy, South of Egypt, East to the border with Arabia. Many types such as Greeks, Egyptians Syrians, Arabs, Armenians, Jews, Persians, Slavs, and Turk.
Before the fall of rome, an Emperor called Constantine moved the capital of the Roman Empire to where the capital of the Byzantine capital would be, Constantinople. By the 500's Constantinople thrived, becoming one of the grandest cities. Where it was located was in the center of trade trafficking. It was surrounded by the black sea and the Aegean sea. With many harbors on 3 side it providing shelter for ships. Constantinople was at the cross road of trades coming from Europe to Asia and the silk road. Thought it was wealthy it was also protected from pirate like invaders. Sea protected 3 sides and a LARGE wall on the 4th side . Even later they used a chain across the northern harbor for greater protection. Invaders could not conquer Constantinople. |
2) How did Greek Culture influenced the Byzantine Empire?
The Byzantine people first followed roman ways and called them self "NEW Rome". Almost everything was roman to the buildings, the Hippodrome, and government + Social life is based on Rome. Emperors spoke Latin and used Roman Laws. Byzantine civilians were given to bread and entertainment and rich people onced lived in rome. As years passed the Byzantine Empire became less Roman and More Greek. Most people spoke Greek and honored their past. Emperors and government officials stated to speak Greek as well. People who are not greek or roman such as Egyptians shaped the Byzantine Empire. Many cultures blended together formed the Byzantine Empire. From 500 to 1200 Byzantine was on of the Richest and Advance Empires.
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3) What did Justinian + Theodora do? = Justinian Code/ Niki Revolt
Justinian became an Emperor of the Byzantine Empire in 527 to 565. He was a strong leader controlling Miltay, laws, and was a Supreme judge. When making orders no one question why. His Wife Theodora shaped the empire maybe more than Justinian. Theodora was a former actress, an intelligent strong willed women. She helped choose government officials, and gave women more rights. For once women can own land and if a widow gets money to raise her children. In 532 Theodora saved Justinian's life during the Nika Rebellion. Angry taxpayers plan to overthrow Justinian by storming the palace. Justinian's adviser told him to leave, but his wife convinced him to say and fight stopping the uprising.
Justinian wanted the reunite the Roman Empire to it's former Glory. He had conquered Western Europe and Northern Africa. Armies were lead by General Belisarius and became stronger because of this. General Belisarius reorganized the army dramatically. He made foot soldiers ride horses (Cavalry), use armor, and carried bows and lances (Long spears). During Justinian's reign the military conquered much land too quickly leaving no money after Justinian's death to protect land in the west. Before his death he made changes to laws that make them easier to understand. He ordered legal scholars, head by the tribonian, to reform the law code. This new law code was called Justinian's Code. This new code made laws easier to understand for everyone. This code became a great influence on laws in almost every country in Europe. |
4) Why was Trade important to the Byzantine Empire?
The Byzantine Empire lasted for 1000 years. During this time it's capital was the richest/ largest city in europe. Byzantine in general was highly educated and creative. They preserved greek culture and roman laws to other people. Also providing the world with new arts and helped in the spread of Christianity to Eastern europe.
From the 500's to the 1110's Byzantine was the center of trade between Europe and Asia. Traded goods with Russia in the north, Mediterranean lands in the south, Latin Europe in the west, and persian + china in the east. Asia ships brought in many goods such a variable metals, gems, and cloth + spices. The Byzantine people traded money, crops, and enslaved people for the asia goods. The enormous trades made the Byzantine empire very wealthy, but not everyone in Byzantine was a merchant. They were farmers, Herbers, laborers, and Artisans. In 550 Byzantine started to make silk after some byzantine travelers smuggled silk worms out of china. Weavers soon make silk bringing more wealth the the Empire. |
5) Why was unique about Byzantine Art + Architecture?
Justinian and other emperors supported Artists and Architects. Emperors ordered that churches, forts, and public buildings should be build throughout the the empire. Constantinople alone had 1000 churches and palaces. During Justinian's reign his greatest accomplishment was a Huge Church called Hagia Sophia meaning "Holy Wisdom" . It was completed in 537 and became a Religious center in the Byzantine Empire. It stills stand today in Istanbul, Turkey. Inside Hagia Sophia is walls covered in Beautiful Marble and many colored glass/stone (Also called Mosaics).These important pieces of art show saints or holy people.
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6) What role did Women Play?
The family was the center for social life for Byzantine religion. Marriage and family life was important that divorces were rare and difficult to get. Women were didn't live independent lives and were expected to stay home to care for the little ones. However thanks to Theodora women gained more rights. These right include being well educated and get involved in politics. They can also fill in for the ruler if said ruler was too young or too ill to lead. Some women ruled the empire.
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7) Why is Education important?
Education was highly respected by the byzantine culture. The government support training scholars and government officials. In schools boys learn/study about religion, medicine, law, arithmetic, grammar, and other subjects. The rich hired tutors to educate their children, but girls rarely attend school. Also writers write about religion extremely stating the obeying god will save one's soul, usually writing stories about saint. Writers also copied/wrote/preserved roman and greek writing. Without the copies many works would have been lost FOREVER.
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