Introduction to the Byzantine Empire

By Emperor Fitzpatrick

ObjectiveYou should remember how the Byzantine Empire came to be.You should recognize why the location for Constantinople was key to it’s success.

The founding of Constantinople

and the Byzantine EmpireSince the Rule of Diocletian (in the late 200s A.D.) The Roman Empire was divided in two

Western and Eastern Empires

The Western half was being weakened by constant attacking Germanic invaders.In 330 A.D. Emperor Constantine decided to relocate the capital.

ByzantiumHe chose to locate the capital at the Greek city of Byzantium, later renamed Constantinople (this was the area we looked at on the map) Constantine molded the new capital after Rome

Often referred to as “new Rome”

AdvantagesPeninsula

Provided natural safe harbors for ships

both merchant and military ships

Provided natural defensewater on three sides (the Black and Aegean Seas)

MAP

AdvantagesTrade

Easy access to the Mediterranean SeaLocated at an important land route that linked Europe and Asia (Silk Road)

MAP

What are the advantages of building a major city here?

ConstantinopleCity was heavily fortified

Water on three side plus a wall was built to protect the fourth side (sometimes chained the harbor)

Multi-ethnic cityGreeks, Persians, Italians, Turks, Slavs, Armenians, and Jews lived in the city

The citizens spoke Greek, but Latin was the official language.

ConstantinopleDuring Constantine's rule, over 600,000 people lived in the city.Constantine convinced many wealthy Romans to move to the city by offering to build them palaces.

Rise of the Eastern EmpireIn 410 A.D. Rome fell to the Germanic invadersHowever the city of Constantinople and the eastern empire remained.This is when the Byzantine Empire began.

A Look AheadMapping ActivityEmperor Justinian and his wife TheodoraByzantine ArtChristianity SplitsMilitary, Weapons and TacticsCollapse of the EmpireReview and TestCulminating Activity