The Roman Empire unit review Byzantine
The Byzantine Empire was the eastern half of the Roman Empire that continued to exist after the fall of the western half in 476 AD. It was centered around the capital city of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and lasted until its fall to the Ottoman Turks in 1453 AD.
Some key points to remember about the Byzantine Empire include:
1. Justinian I: One of the most famous Byzantine emperors, Justinian ruled from 527 to 565 AD and sought to restore the Roman Empire to its former glory. He is known for his codification of Roman laws in the Corpus Juris Civilis, the construction of the Hagia Sophia cathedral, and his military campaigns to reconquer lost territories.
2. Greek influence: Unlike the western Roman Empire, which primarily used Latin as its official language, the Byzantine Empire adopted Greek as its official language. This influence is evident in the Byzantine art, literature, and culture of the time.
3. Orthodox Christianity: The Byzantine Empire played a crucial role in the development of the Eastern Orthodox Church, which split from the Roman Catholic Church in 1054 AD. Byzantine emperors, such as Constantine the Great, were instrumental in promoting Christianity as the state religion.
4. Iconoclasm: One of the major controversies within the Byzantine Empire was the iconoclastic movement, which sought to ban the use of religious icons in churches. This debate divided the empire for over a century until the use of icons was ultimately restored.
5. Decline and fall: The Byzantine Empire faced numerous challenges throughout its history, including invasions by various foreign powers, internal power struggles, and economic decline. The empire finally fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453 AD, when Constantinople was captured by Mehmed II.
Overall, the Byzantine Empire was a continuation of the Roman Empire that maintained Roman traditions while also incorporating Greek influences and developing its own unique culture and institutions. Its legacy can still be seen in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Byzantine art and architecture, and the lasting impact it had on the history of the Eastern Mediterranean region.