Unit 5: Byzantine Empire - essay topic

Question 1

How was Constantinople founded?

Answer 1

Constantine moved the capital from Rome to a new city he called Constantinople.

Question 2

What were some of the key/notable features of the days of Justinian that he helped to establish?

Answer 2

Reconquering:
- Belisanus defeats Vandals in North Africa (533)
- Liberates Rome from Ostrogoths (546)
- Ostrogoths invade Rome again but Byzantines reclaim control
- Ends in failure
- Rome now in ruins, statues fallen, no running water, population decrease

Building Projects
- Naw Cathedral: Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) - arches, domes, mosaics, colored marble
- Justinian compares it to Temple in Jerusalem, temple dedicated in 537

Codification of Roman Laws
- Justinian’s most important achievement
- Greek & Latin scholars work on project from 528-534 (8 years)
- codified all Roman laws & legal opinions
- Why Was This Important?
- people were beginning to follow different laws - caused obvious problems
- Justinian solved these issues w/ Corpus Juris Civilis

Question 3

What happened Business wise throughout the Byzantine Empire?:

Answer 3

• Bezant (gold coin - unified currency) to encourage trade used throughput Mediterranean for 700 yrs.
• Manufacturing managed and regulated.
• Byzantine silk industry played major role in history of Byzantine Empire.
• Silk was a key economic asset, had strong political overtones

Question 4

What happened trade wise throughout the Byzantine Empire?

Answer 4

• Constantinople located at ideal place of trade.
• Movement of goods watched closely by officials appointed by Emperor.
• Manufacturing was managed and regulated.
• To encourage trade, must have unified currency.
• Justinian encouraged introduction of silk.
• Monks from Constantinople smuggled silkworms back to city in hollow staffs.
• Silk allowed byzantines to establish a monopoly on industry.

Question 5

What happened farming wise throughout the Byzantine Empire?

Answer 5

• Critical for improvement/growth of the cities to have a solid agricultural foundation.
• Egypt done most farming & provided grain.
• Once Muslims took over Egypt, most food came from Asia’s minor.
• Serfs worked land owned by a noble or the Church
• Serfs provided food so landowners could live in luxury in cities.

Question 6

What happened educationally throughout the Byzantine Empire?

Answer 6

• Byzantine scholars studied works of ancient Greeks & Romans.
• Educated men wrote in books instead of scrolls.
  
  • Their work was now better preserved for history.
• Many people in upper class were literate.
  
  • Boys were educated by an individual tutor or in schools.
  • Girls usually trained at home, but few would go to converts & learn to read & write there.