The Byzantine Empire (9-1)
Name: _________________________________________________________ Class: _________
Roman civilization lived on for centuries after invaders attacked the city of Rome. In the 400s
Roman ways of life continued in the eastern region of the old empire. This thriving region
became known as the Byzantine Empire. With its capital at Constantinople, the Byzantine
Empire covered Greece, the Balkans, and Asia Minor. The Byzantine Empire lasted almost a
thousand years. A strong army, good government, and a rich economy helped give it a long life.
1. What is the capital of the Byzantine Empire?
2. What factors helped the Byzantine empire last for almost a thousand years?
Read “Justinian I Looks to the Past” pages 297-299
3. What did Justinian I do to make his empire as mighty as the Roman Empire had been?
4. What is the Justinian Code and what did it do?
5. What is a monopoly?
6. Explain what Justinian did to start the Byzantine silk industry.
7. Give examples of what Justinian did with the money he received from taxes on trade
and industry.
8. What is a mosaic?
9. Who enjoyed the riches of the Byzantine Empire?
10. What was life like for people who weren’t rich?
Read “Theodora, Bringer of Change” pages 299-300
11. Who was Theodora?
12. What laws did Theodora try to make?
13. How did Theodora think people should get jobs?
14. Who is Belisarius and what did he do?
Read “The Christian Church Divides” pages 300-301
15. What are icons?
16. Why did some people dislike icons?
17. Why did some people like icons?
18. Why did Church leaders in western Europe like icons?
19. What did the church in eastern Europe become known as?
20. What did the church in western Europe become known as?
21. What does the word Catholic mean?
22. What disagreement led to the split of the Christian Church?