Byzantine Empire Study Set Flashcards
In what ways did the Byzantine Empire differ from the Roman Empire?
The Byzantines considered themselves Romans but they didn’t control Rome. Most of them were Christians and they spoke Greek, not Latin.
Be able to explain Justinian’s achievements!
His goal was to restore Rome’s lost empire. He gained back through war, Spain, Italy, and North Africa. Under his rule, the Byzantine empire grew to its greatest size. He rebuilt the Hagia Sophia. He had also collected a law code.
What had caused the Byzantine Empire to decline and who invaded in 1453?
The wars left them with money problems, and disease broke out. After the DEATH of Justinian, the Byzantine Empire slowly shrank because all the countries around them went to war to get their land back. Over the next 800 years, it declined and fell. In 1453, the Ottomans invaded.
How did the Byzantine empire influence the cultures around it? Especially Russia.
The Byzantine Empire was so wealthy and its culture was so attractive that it’s influence spread far beyond the empire’s borders. Visitors came to Constantinople, merchants came to trade, scholars came to study and artists came to work. The Byzantine leaders impressed visitors with elaborate ceremonies, jewels and rich clothing. Visitors took ideas home with them and Eastern Europeans adopted parts of Byzantine cultures.
Be able to explain the strategic location upon which Constantinople was built?
The Byzantine Empire was located between Europe, Asia, and Africa. As a result, it was a crossroads of trade. Trade from the Silk Roads, North Africa, the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea came through the Byzantine Empire.
What is a Strait?
A strait is a narrow body of water that cuts through land, connecting two larger bodies of water.
What is the Greek Fire?
The Byzantines also used a secret weapon against ships. This was Greek Fire, a chemical mixture that burned furiously, even in water. They shot Greek Fire at enemy ships and troops attacking the city walls
What is a/the Missionary?
A missionary is someone who tries to convert others to a particular religion.
What is a/the Cyrillic alphabet?
Cyril and Methodius invented the Cyrillic Alphabet which allowed the Slavs to write down their language. It is based on letters of the Greek Alphabet. It is primarily used today for slavic languages such as Russian and Bulgarian
In what ways did the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church differ?
There were other differences between the two churches. Pope was in charge of the Roman Catholic Church and was the highest official; The Byzantine emperor was the head of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and patriarchs had equal authority. The rituals and teaching of the Eastern Orthodox Church were in Greek. The rituals and teaching of the Roman Catholic Church were in latin. Orthodox priests were allowed to be married. Catholic priests were not.
What are icons?
An icon is a holy image, usually a portrait Jesus or a saint.
What was the Nicene Creed?
The emperor Constantine called a council of bishops in 325. They met in the city of Nicea and adopted a statement of beliefs, or a creed, called the Nicene Creed. It said that Jesus was both human and Divine.
who are the iconoclasts?
People who opposed icons were called iconoclasts, meaning “image-breakers.” They went into churches and smashed icons. Violence broke out between iconoclasts and their opponents.
What was the importance of Justinian’s code?
He created a new code of law. His code brought order to the old confusing system of Roman law. Justinian’s code was published in 529. It gave great power to the emperor. The code said, “that which seems good to the emperor has the force of law.” The code also revealed ways people were treated in the empire which included discrimination against Jews and non Christians..
What is a pope?
It means father or head of the church.
