Unit 3: The Post Roman Emipires Flashcards
Statement of inquiry
In order to ensure their longevity, all civilizations must adapt to changing social, economic, and political circumstances
Charlemagne
The most powerful leader of the franks. Ruled as part of the carolingian dynasty from 768-814
He brought many reforms like: A strong government Written laws Education Currency Support for the arts
He was crowned as the first holy roman emperor. This began the holy roman empire.
Nika riots
Justinian began to create opposition against him. Many people went to the hippodrome to protest. When they were there they set fire to buildings. They chanted “nika” which meant victory. Justinian prepared to flee but his wife, theodora convinced him to stay. Troops were sent to the hippodrome and they killed about 30,000 people, and ended the revolt.
Justinian
Emperor of the byzantine empire from 527-565 AD. Responsible for the golden ages. He reconquered most of the western roman empire. Constructed many public buildings, especially churches. Created justinian code.
Justinian code
Created in 528 AD
Based on 1,600 books of ancient roman law.
Simplified to about 5,000 laws that were divided into 4 books:
Book of persons
Book of things
Book of interstate succession
Book of obligations
The purpose was to bring order to the empire. Extensive and very detailed.
The goal was to leave no room for interpretation. Did not want people to misinterpret or take advantage of the code.
Theodora
Justinian’s wife. Byzantine empress.
Clovis
Member of the franks. He begins a process of change in the germanic tribes.
First, he unites the franks into one single group, under one leader (clovis)
Starts a dynasty
Converts to christianity after winning an important battle
Conquers all of gaul
Battle of tours
Charles martel and the franks defeat the moors in the battle of tours in 732
Stops the islam spread
Allows for the continuation of christianity in europe
Theodusius wall
The wall that protected constantinople. It was very hard to pass through the wall. Was built by constantine
Hagia sophia
Means “holy wisdom”. It was a church that was destroyed in riots. Justinian rebuilt it and many visitors hailed it as the most important church in the christian world
Hippodrome
A place where citizens could enjoy free entertainment. The hippodrome offered chariot races and other forms of entertainment. 60,000 spectators could be in the hippodrome at the same time.
Constantinople
The capital of the byzantine empire. It is surrounded by natural barriers. Named after constantine
