BYzantine empire
1.WHY WAS CONSTANTINOPLE IMPORTANT?
By the 500s, the city had become one of the greatest in the world. Its location played a major role in this. Constantinople laid between the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea. Its harbors was a safe place for fishing boats, trade ships, and warships. It was also between the crossroads of trading routes between Asia and Europe. Sea protected it on 3 sides, and a huge wall guarded the fourth. Then a huge chain was strung across the city's north harbor.
2. How did Greek Culture influence the Byzantine Empire?
The Byzantines at first followed Roman ways. Constantinople was known as the "New Rome." As time passed, the Byzantine Empire became less Roman and more Greek. Most Byzantines spoke Greek and honored their Greek past. Byzantine emperors and officials began to speak Greek also.
3.What did Justinian and Theodora do?
Justinian became emperor of the Byzantine Empire in 527 and ruled until 565. Justinian was a strong leader. He controlled the Military, made laws, and was supreme judge. Justinian's wife, the empresses Theodora, helped him run the empire. Theodora, a former actress, was intelligent and strong-willed, and she helped Justinian choose government officials. Theodora also convinced him to give women more rights.
4.Why was trade important to the Byzantine Empire?
From the year 500-1100 the Byzantine Empire was the center of trade between Europe and Asia. Trade came from present day Russia in the north, Mediterranean lands in the south, Latin Europe in the west, and persia and China in the East passed through the empire. From asia ships brought- Spices, Gems, metals, and cloth to Constantinople. This enormous trade made Byzantine very wealthy. One of the major was weaving , they smuggled silk worms out of China and provided silk for Byzantine.
5.What was unique about Byzantine art & Architecture?
Justinian and other emperors supported artists and architects. They ordered the building of churches, forts, and public buildings throughout the empire. Constantinople was known for its thousands of churches and palaces. One of Justinians biggest acomplishements was a huge church called the Hagia sophia. It was the religious center of the Byzantine empire and it still stands in Istanbul, Turkey. Inside the church were beautiful mosaics depicting saints.
6.What role did women play?
The center of social life for most Byzantines were family life. Religion and Government stressed the importance of Marriage and family life. Divorces were rare and difficult to get. Women were not encouraged to lead independent lifes and were expected to stay at home and take care of families. However some did have the right to become well educated and involved in politics. Several women served as regents which is a person that stands in for a government officials when sick.
By the 500s, the city had become one of the greatest in the world. Its location played a major role in this. Constantinople laid between the Black Sea and the Aegean Sea. Its harbors was a safe place for fishing boats, trade ships, and warships. It was also between the crossroads of trading routes between Asia and Europe. Sea protected it on 3 sides, and a huge wall guarded the fourth. Then a huge chain was strung across the city's north harbor.
2. How did Greek Culture influence the Byzantine Empire?
The Byzantines at first followed Roman ways. Constantinople was known as the "New Rome." As time passed, the Byzantine Empire became less Roman and more Greek. Most Byzantines spoke Greek and honored their Greek past. Byzantine emperors and officials began to speak Greek also.
3.What did Justinian and Theodora do?
Justinian became emperor of the Byzantine Empire in 527 and ruled until 565. Justinian was a strong leader. He controlled the Military, made laws, and was supreme judge. Justinian's wife, the empresses Theodora, helped him run the empire. Theodora, a former actress, was intelligent and strong-willed, and she helped Justinian choose government officials. Theodora also convinced him to give women more rights.
4.Why was trade important to the Byzantine Empire?
From the year 500-1100 the Byzantine Empire was the center of trade between Europe and Asia. Trade came from present day Russia in the north, Mediterranean lands in the south, Latin Europe in the west, and persia and China in the East passed through the empire. From asia ships brought- Spices, Gems, metals, and cloth to Constantinople. This enormous trade made Byzantine very wealthy. One of the major was weaving , they smuggled silk worms out of China and provided silk for Byzantine.
5.What was unique about Byzantine art & Architecture?
Justinian and other emperors supported artists and architects. They ordered the building of churches, forts, and public buildings throughout the empire. Constantinople was known for its thousands of churches and palaces. One of Justinians biggest acomplishements was a huge church called the Hagia sophia. It was the religious center of the Byzantine empire and it still stands in Istanbul, Turkey. Inside the church were beautiful mosaics depicting saints.
6.What role did women play?
The center of social life for most Byzantines were family life. Religion and Government stressed the importance of Marriage and family life. Divorces were rare and difficult to get. Women were not encouraged to lead independent lifes and were expected to stay at home and take care of families. However some did have the right to become well educated and involved in politics. Several women served as regents which is a person that stands in for a government officials when sick.