The Greatness of the Byzantine

EmpireLesson 2

Byzantine Glory

Emperor Justinian came into power in 527. He wanted to restore the Roman Empire. During his rule, the Byzantine Empire reached its height.

Justinian’s accomplishments: Art and architecture flourished during Justinian’s

rule. Many cathedrals were built, including the Hagia Sophia.

Protected the empire from the Persians by paying them off

Expanded the empire by conquering North Africa

Justinian’s accomplishments: Created Justinian Code, which was a code

of laws based on the laws of the Romans. It made laws clearer and allowed the Empire to operate with an efficient and fair central government. It is the basis for many legal systems today.

Followed the advice of his most trusted advisor, his wife Theodora by defending the city of Constantinople in 532 from attack

The Glorious Church

In 1054, the church divided. The church in the east became known as the Eastern Orthodox Church,

One of the reasons the church split was over the use of icons as part of worship.

After 1054, the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church existed separately.

Byzantine emperors and the Eastern Orthodox Church had strong ties. It controlled cultural and political life.

The empire that Justinian built lasted almost 500 years. In about 1000, the empire began to weaken.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D50IUZPGPqg

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