world history chapter 10. built on remains of roman empire emperor justinian led the revival (and...
TRANSCRIPT
BEGINNINGS OFTHE EMPIRE
Built on remains of Roman Empire
Emperor Justinian led the revival (and his wife Theodora helped)
He changed Byzantine law to improve women’s rights:1. Man could not beat
wife2. Could sue husband3. Could own property4. Widows could raise
children
BYZANTINE:RISE AND FALL Justinian appoints
Belisarius as commander of the army
Belisarius gained many territories in Med. Sea
After Justinian died, 50 years of civil war followed
Also invaders from Persia, Asia, and Europe took place
In the mid 600’s Muslims invaded
Justinian’s territory was reduced to Asia Minor, Southern Balkan peninsula, and part of Italy
REASONS FORSUCCESS
Despite this, Byzantine Empire still thrived for three reasons:1. Political Strength: highly
centralized government; well paid, loyal officials; arranged marriages
2. Military Strength: developed good infantry, cavalry, and engineers; gave soldiers land grants; created military schools
3. Economic Strength: because of trade, agriculture, and manufacturing, the East was the richest part of the Empire; Constantinople = 1 mill pop = lots of jobs; located on the Bosporus Straits was the center of trade
RELIGION INTHE EMPIRE Byzantines faith believed
that rituals and doctrines of the faith were unimportant
Believed in icons – small religious pictures
Icons became outlawed but none obeyed and heresy developed (an opinion that conflicts with church doctrine)
Pope excommunicates (preventing certain people from church membership and functions)
In 1054, the church split with Roman Catholics remaining in the west and Greek Orthodox taking over in the east (See VIDEO on Orthodoxy in Russia) 2:15
DECLINE OF THE EMPIRE In the 1000’s,
Seljuk Turks captured most of Asia Minor
The Empire asked for help from the west but they instead attacked
In 1453, Ottoman Turks captured Constantinople – the Empire fell
KIEV Byzantine Empire had a
strong influence on the Slavs
Kiev (capital of Rus from 882-1169) prospered because of its location for trade
Government: made up of a prince with a council of boyars (or nobles)
Vladimir I went religion shopping and picked Christianity
Kievan Rus’ developed agriculture and trade which led to social classes:1. Princess (top class)2. Boyars (nobles)3. Artisans and Merchants4. Peasants (largest class)5. Clergy (separate)
THE MONGOLS Began attacking
Kievan Rus in 1237 and ruled until the 1400s
Taxed harshly Lead by Genghis
Khan Leadership became
weak over time Eventually lost
control of some areas including Moscow