The Byantine Empire Flashcards
Describe the powers of the Byzantine emperor.
Established Christianity as their official religion. Represented a continuation of Roman imperial rule and tradition that was largely absent in the kingdoms that succeeded Rome.
Who was the largest challenge to the Byzantine Empire?
The Arab armies.
Who finally conquered the empire? and when?
Between 634 and 650 the Arab armies took over.
Define schism. Explain how this term applies to the Byzantine Empire.
A formal split within a religious community. There were arguments between the Latin Church and the Orthodox Church.
When did Justinian rule?
from 527 to 565.
What role did Theodora have in the empire?
She was the most trusted adviser and enabled her to use the power and influence of her office to promote religious and social policies that favored her interests.
What were the Nika riots?
It was the most violent riot in the history of Constantinople, with nearly half the city being burned or destroyed and tens of thousands of people killed.
Why would the era of Justinian be considered the golden age of the Byzantine Empire?
Emperor Justinian heralded extensive territorial expansion and military success, along with a new synthesis of Greco-Roman and Christian culture seen at all levels. She also created the legal code.
What are the differences between the Roman Catholicism and the Eastern Orthodoxy?
The Roman Catholic Church was in Rome and the Eastern Orthodoxy was in Greece and nations to the east. The main difference between the two is the issue of the pope’s infallibility.
What is the greatest architectural achievement of the Byzantines?
The monument, Constantinople’s Hagia Sophia cathedral.
Who were Cyril and Methodius, and what did they do?
they embarked on a highly successful mission to the Slavs of Moravia, they preached local language, and their followers perfected a writting system.
What legal code did the Byzantine Empire use?
The Justinian Code.
