Unit: Fall of the Roman Empire
Lesson Title: The Byzantine Empire
Emperors Rule from Constantinople
(See textbook pages 36-37 & 41)
While the Western Roman Empire declined, the
Byzantine Empire (in the east) became more
powerful.
Constantinople (now called Istanbul in
Turkey) was the center of the Byzantine
Empire.
Constantinople grew in influence because of
its location, between the Black Sea and the
Mediterranean Sea.
Why would this location help the city grow?
Constantinople’s location was perfect for trade with
Europe and Asia and easy to defend.
The people of the Byzantine Empire
considered themselves Roman.
But the culture (art, values, and customs) of
the people of the Byzantine Empire were
very different from the people of the Western
Roman Empire.
The greatest Byzantine emperor was JUSTINIAN. He
simplified Roman laws, combined them with
Christian values, and had them written in books,
making them more fair. His system of laws was
known as “JUSTINIAN’S CODE”
Justinian’s wife was THEODORA. She helped him to
rule and to give more rights to women in the Byzantine
Empire.
Justinian Died in A.D. 565
The Byzantine Empire remained powerful for
many centuries after Justinian. But it suffered
attacks from Barbarians and other groups, and
the loss of people from disease, and declined.
The Byzantine (eastern) Empire finally
ended in A.D. 1453.
That year the
Ottoman Turks
captured
Constantinople.
Turk? Do you
know a country
with that name in it?
In class reading
Read “Justinian” and “The Empire after Justinian”
on pages 36-37.
Answer these questions:
1. What were Justinian’s three passions as emperor?
2. Why did the empire decline after the rule of
Emperor Justinian?
Right Side Notebook Activity
Using your notes, readings and the Biography
on page 41, write a “Bio-Poem” on Justinian.
Line 1 – Name
Line 2 – Two adjectives to describe him
Line 3 – He is from…
Line 4 – He cares deeply about…
Line 5 – Two adjectives to describe him
Line 6 – He fears …
Line 7 – He would like to see…
Line 8 – He is remembered for…
Line 9 – Name, years of life