Byzantine Empire DP Flashcards
What was the capital of the Byzantine Empire?
Constantinople
What religion did the Byzantine Empire primarily follow?
Eastern Orthodox Christianity
What was the most famous Byzantine church?
Hagia Sophia
What was the name of the Byzantine legal code?
Justinian Code
Who was the most famous Byzantine emperor?
Justinian I
What was the main source of wealth for the Byzantine Empire?
Trade
What was the primary language of the Byzantine Empire?
Greek
What were the main threats to the Byzantine Empire?
Persians, Arabs, and Slavs
What were the Byzantine armies known for?
Their use of Greek Fire
What was the name of the Byzantine Emperor who commissioned the building of the Hagia Sophia?
Justinian I
What was the significance of the Silk Road to the Byzantine Empire?
A major trading route connecting East and West
What were mosaics?
A popular art form in the Byzantine Empire
What was the Byzantine Empire’s influence on Russian culture?
Significant, particularly in religion and architecture
What was the name of the Byzantine Emperor who faced the first Arab siege of Constantinople?
Heraclius
What were the Crusades?
A series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims
How did the Crusades impact the Byzantine Empire?
Weakened the empire and led to its eventual decline
What was the name of the last Byzantine emperor?
Constantine XI Palaiologos
When did the Byzantine Empire finally fall?
1453
Who conquered Constantinople in 1453?
The Ottoman Turks
What happened to Constantinople after the Ottoman conquest?
It was renamed Istanbul and became the capital of the Ottoman Empire
What was the significance of the Byzantine Empire’s preservation of classical Greek and Roman knowledge?
It helped to transmit these works to the Renaissance and later periods
What was the role of women in Byzantine society?
Varied, with some women holding positions of influence and power
How did the Byzantine Empire contribute to the development of art and architecture?
Through innovations in mosaics, frescoes, and dome construction
What was the significance of the Byzantine Empire’s trade networks?
Connected Europe and Asia, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas
What were some of the major challenges faced by the Byzantine Empire?
Internal strife, external threats, and economic decline
What was the significance of the Hagia Sophia as a symbol?
A symbol of Byzantine power, wealth, and religious devotion
How did the Byzantine Empire contribute to the development of Eastern Orthodox Christianity?
It became the center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity
What was the impact of the Byzantine Empire on Russian culture?
Significant influence on Russian architecture, art, and religious practices
What was the significance of the Byzantine Empire’s legal code?
Influenced legal systems throughout Europe for centuries
How did the fall of Constantinople impact Europe?
Led to the shift of power from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic and contributed to the Renaissance
In what year was Constantinople founded?
330 CE
When did the Roman Empire officially split into East and West?
395 CE
When did the Byzantine Empire reach its greatest territorial extent?
6th century CE
Who was the Empress Theodora, and what was her role in Byzantine history?
Wife of Justinian I; influential in political and religious affairs.
Who was Belisarius, and what were his military achievements?
A renowned Byzantine general who reconquered much of the Western Roman Empire for Justinian I.
When did the Iconoclasm controversy occur?
8th and 9th centuries CE
Who was Basil II, and why was he significant?
Known as ‘the Bulgar Slayer,’ he significantly expanded Byzantine territory in the Balkans.
When did the Fourth Crusade take place?
1204 CE
What was the impact of the Fourth Crusade on the Byzantine Empire?
It severely weakened the empire by sacking Constantinople.
When did the Ottoman Turks conquer Constantinople?
1453 CE
Who was the last Byzantine Emperor?
Constantine XI Palaiologos
When did the Byzantine Empire officially end?
1453 CE
Who was Justinian I, and what were his major accomplishments?
A significant emperor who expanded Byzantine territory, codified Roman law, and oversaw the construction of the Hagia Sophia.
Who was Empress Irene, and what was significant about her rule?
Ruled as sole empress for a time, a rare occurrence in Byzantine history.
Who was Leo III the Isaurian, and what was his significance?
Initiated the Iconoclasm controversy.
When did the Iconoclasm controversy end?
843 CE
When did the Byzantine Empire face a major plague outbreak?
The Justinianic Plague in the 6th century CE.
When did the Seljuk Turks invade Byzantine territory?
11th century CE
What was the significance of the Battle of Manzikert in 1071?
A major Byzantine defeat against the Seljuks, leading to the loss of much of Anatolia.
When did the first Arab-Byzantine wars occur?
7th century CE.
What year did the Byzantine empire end?
The Byzantine Empire ended in 1453.
