quiz ii Flashcards
What were the motivations behind the Nika riots according to Procopius?
Political, social, and economic factors
* Extreme loyalty to chariot racing factions (Blues and Greens)
* Public frustration with taxation
* Perceived inefficiency and potential corruption of Justinian’s administration
* Manipulation by powerful figures in the court
The factions aligned with different political ideologies, strengthening their animosity.
What are the negative attributes of Johannes of Cappadocea?
Unscrupulous and greedy
* Responsible for heavy taxation
* Openly corrupt and embezzled funds
Johannes was a main counsellor to Justinian.
What are the positive attributes of Johannes of Cappadocea?
- Competent as a leader
- Effective in managing finances
Despite his negative traits, he was recognized for his leadership abilities.
What are the negative attributes of Tribonianus?
Overly self-interested
* Focused on his own advancement
* Involved in Justinian’s centralization policy
* Corrupt and exploited legal reforms for personal gain
Tribonianus was another key advisor to Justinian.
What are the positive attributes of Tribonianus?
Highly intelligent
* Skilled in legal matters
* Responsible for the codification of Roman Law
His legal expertise was significant during Justinian’s reign.
Who intervened to save Justinian’s regime during the Nika Riots?
Justinian’s wife Theodora
She urged him to stay and fight instead of fleeing.
What aspects of fan clubs does Procopius emphasize?
Deeply political nature
* Engaged in violent acts
* Manipulated by the court
The fan clubs were not just about sports.
To which earlier Roman emperor is Justinian compared?
Emperor Nero
Both are characterized by cruelty and self-absorption.
How is Theodora depicted in her earlier life?
Portrayed as coming from disgraceful circumstances
* Emphasized her past as a prostitute
* Noted for her reputation for promiscuity and scandals
This depiction aims to present her as unseemly.
How did Procopius judge the crowd’s reaction to Theodora becoming empress?
Initially shocked and displeased
* Viewed as a scandalous event
* Eventually warmed up to her due to her competence
The crowd’s perception shifted over time.
How does Procopius judge Justinian’s religious policy?
Very critical
* Overzealous in imposing religious uniformity
* Intolerant of heresies and differing views
* Driven by a desire to control all aspects of life in the empire
His centralization attempts are portrayed negatively.
List three reasons why Justinian’s rule could be seen as a golden age.
- Legal reforms
- Codification of Roman law
- Architectural achievements like the Hagia Sophia
His reign is noted for significant developments.
List three reasons why Justinian’s rule could be seen as problematic.
- Heavy taxation
- Nika Riots
- Authoritarian rule and religious intolerance
These factors contributed to a complex legacy.
Name examples of natural disasters during Justinian’s rule.
- The comet
- The dust veil event of 536-537
- The earthquake
- The food shortages
- The fires
His reign was marked by several significant natural phenomena.
What were two character traits of Justinian that marked his rule?
- Ambition
- Autocratic Control
Examples include military campaigns and manipulation of the legal system.
Give an example of Justinian’s legal reform.
Creation of the Corpus Juris Civilis, which codified Roman Law
This was a significant legal achievement.
What was Justinian’s policy regarding Monophysites?
Suppression and enforcement of religious orthodoxy
He aimed to unite the empire under Chalcedonian Christianity.
How was Sophia, Justin II’s wife, special?
Held significant political influence
* De facto ruler during her husband’s mental decline
* Made military decisions
She played a critical role in securing the throne for her nephew.
Which two groups posed a menace to the Empire during Justin II’s reign?
- Lombards in Italy
- Persians along the eastern frontier
These groups challenged the Empire’s control.
What administrative reform did Maurikios initiate?
Created a new system of military provinces called ‘themes’
This allowed for better organization and response to threats.
Why was Maurikios’ fall a surprise?
Overthrown despite a successful military record
* Resulted from an internal coup by his own generals
This was unique compared to other overthrows in the past 300 years.
What are some quantitative examples illustrating the decline of the Empire by the end of the 7th century?
- Loss of territory to the Arabs
- Decrease in population levels
These factors reflected the Empire’s transformation.
What happened to Justinian II when he was deposed?
Exiled and subjected to extreme humiliation
* His nose was cut off
He later returned to power through a military coup.
What major military/administrative reorganization occurred during the 7th century?
Introduction of the theme system
* Divided the empire into military provinces governed by strategoi
* Creation of exarchs to govern distant territories
This was crucial for maintaining control over the empire.
How does John Damascene qualify Islam?
Heresy, falsehood, and blasphemy
He critiques its deviation from Christian doctrine.
What accusations does John Damascene formulate against Mohammed?
- Accused of being deceived
- Rejected the divinity of Christ
- Distorted scripture
These accusations highlight his view of Islam’s foundations.
What are some accusations Muslims formulate against Christians according to John Damascene?
- Polytheism
- Idolatry
- Corruption of scripture
These reflect the tensions between the two faiths.
What are some obsessions of the text Farmer’s Law?
- Land tenure and property rights
- Agricultural productivity
- Taxation
- Social hierarchy
These themes illustrate the concerns of the text.
What type of punishments are proposed by Farmer’s Law?
- Fines
- Confiscation of property
- Physical punishment
- Forced labour
- Exile or banishment
These punishments reflect the enforcement of authority.
Define Chalcedonians.
A branch of Christianity that believes Christ has two natures (divine and human)
This belief led to a schism with the Monophysites.
Define Monophysite.
A branch of Christianity that believes Christ has a single divine-human nature
This interpretation was less popular during Justinian’s time.
What is the Hormisdas’s libellus?
A request by Pope Hormisdas for acceptance of Chalcedonian orthodoxy
This was part of Justinian’s effort to unify the Orthodox Church.
What is the Henotikon?
A document written by Akakios to promote mutual recognition and communion
It served as a compromise in religious disputes.
What are diptychs?
Wooden tablets containing names of saints, bishops, and emperors
They commemorate the history and confession of each Christian community.
What is the significance of Hagia Sophia?
First basilica with a dome, important architectural achievement
Used for imperial coronations and various functions.
What are satraps?
Administrative units in the Persian empire
The term was used by Byzantines to refer to specific Persian governors.
What are themata (themes)?
New administrative units of territory under Emperor Herakleios
This reform was crucial for military organization.
What does the term shahs refer to?
An emperor or king in the Persian Empire
This term is still used in Iran today.
What is the Hagia Sophia known for?
First basilica with a dome and an important architectural achievement
It was where the emperor was coronated and used for various imperial functions.
What are Satraps in the context of the Byzantine Empire?
Administrative unit of territory in the Persian empire, used by the Byzantines for specific satraps
Similar to a district or province.
What are Thema (Themes)?
New administrative unit of territory used under Emperor Herakleios
Comparable to a district or province.
What does the term Shahs refer to?
An emperor or king in the Persian Empire (and Iran today)
What is the Digest in Byzantine law?
Compilation of juristic writings on Roman law compiled by order of Emperor Justinian in 530–533 AD
What is the purpose of the Institute in Byzantine law?
Compilation of juristic writings on Roman law for students, compiled under Justinian in 530–533 AD
What were Bucellarii?
Formations of troops used in the Roman Empire
What is a Novella in legal terms?
A ‘new’ enactment or law codified
What was the role of the Quaesitor?
A magistrate instituted by Justinian to interview new arrivals or non-locals about their business in the city
Define Coloni in the context of land ownership.
A peasant that is legally tied to the land (Farmer’s law)
True or False: The Visigoths waged war with the Romans between the 3rd and 5th centuries.
True
What were the Vandals known for?
Part of the Barbarians; conquered Africa and were defeated in Carthage by Belisarius and Narses in 533
What was the Umayyad Caliphate’s geographical influence?
Took northern Africa and part of the Iberian Peninsula
Who were the main adversaries of the Byzantine Empire?
Persians
Due to proximity and differing ideologies.
What is the origin of the Laz People?
Ethnic group from the Caucasus, mainly living along the Black Sea coastal regions of modern-day Turkey and Georgia
What significant war involved the Laz People?
The Lazic War, where 1,000 Tzanni auxiliaries participated, culminating in a victory for the Persians by Emperor Heraclius in 628
What did the Khazar Khaganate establish?
Established in 650; Byzantines often encouraged them to fight among themselves
What was notable about the Bulgarians in relation to the Byzantines?
Fought a series of wars which lasted for centuries, starting after the Bulgars conquered parts of the Balkan Peninsula after 680 AD
What historical conflicts did the Serbs engage in?
Wars against the Byzantines throughout the medieval period, beginning with Sclaveni and Antae migrations into the Balkans
Who were the Avars?
Nomadic tribe of mounted warriors from the Eurasian steppe; negotiated with Emperor Justinian I for protection of the northern border
What happened to the Ostrogoths?
They were defeated by Belisarius and Narses through Carthage in 535 and fully absorbed into the Lombards in 568
What did the Lombards do in 568?
Reconquered the Italian Peninsula from the Byzantines and set up the Kingdom of the Lombards
What alliance occurred in 590?
The Francs and Byzantines allied and attempted to attack the Lombards unsuccessfully
What does the term Moors refer to?
Muslim populations of the Iberian Peninsula who fought wars against the Byzantines between 533–548
What was the significance of the Slavs’ migration?
Caused initial problems between Slavs and the local population; cooperation led to the creation of Sclaveni
Who were the Bavarians in relation to the Byzantines?
An ethnic group seen as Barbarians by the Byzantines, with limited interaction
What is the relationship between Bohemians and Byzantines?
Similar to Bavarians, they had limited contact and were also seen as Barbarians
What role did Anglo-Saxons play in the Byzantine military?
Largely composed the Varangian Guard, personal guards to the emperor
What influence did Germani have on the Byzantines?
Exposure led to the adoption of Byzantine practices in the 9th-10th centuries, culminating in the Holy Roman Empire
Fill in the blank: The _______ were only connected through the crusades and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Aquitaine
What reputation did the Vascones have?
Under Germanic influence but still being Roman; repelled the Vandals under Roman commanders
