The Byzantine Empire
Why was Constantinople important?
Constantinople became the capital of the Byzantine Empire, and became one of the world's greatest cities. One main reason for Constantinople's success was its location. It was located between the Black Sea and Aegean Sea, its harbors offered safety to fishing boats, trading ships, and warships. Not only was Constantinople between these two seas it was also located at the crossroads of trade routes between Europe and Asia. This caused the city to become extremely wealthy, not only was it at the crossroads of trade routes, but it was also surrounded by water on 3 sides and a huge wall on the 4th.
How did Greek culture influence the Byzantine Empire?
At first the Byzantine Empire was strongly influenced by Roman culture, it's capital Constantinople was even known as the "New Rome". Political and social life in the Byzantine was also based on that of Rome. But Rome's influence did not stop there, Emperors also spoke Latin and inforced Roman laws. Slowly the Byzantine Empire became less Rome and more Greek, many Byzantine citizens, officials, and emperors spoke Greek. But the Byzantine Empire' influence from different cultures did not stop there, it was also influenced by the Egyptions and Slavs.
What did Justinian and Theodora do?
Justinian was the emperor of the Byzantine Empire in 527, he was a strong leader, but he also relied on his wife Theodora to help him run the empire. Theodora helped Justinian choose government officials, and also convinced him to give woman more rights. Not only did she help when it came to the government but she also helped to save his throne, when angry taxpayers threatened to overthrow him his advisors told him to leave, while Theodora convinced him to stay and fight. Which he did, he stayed in the city and crushed the uprising.
Why was trade important to the Byzantine Empire?
For over 500 years the Byzantine Empire was at the center of trade between Europe and Asia. Ships from Asia brought luxury goods such as, spices, gems, metals, and cloth to Constantinople. For these items Byzantine merchants traded fur, money, and enslaved people. This trade made made the Byzantine Empire very wealthy.
What was unique about Byzantine art and architecture?
Justinian completed and supported many artists and architects, one of Justinian's biggest achievements was a huge church called Hagia Sophia. I became the religious center of the Byzantine Empire, the Hagia Sophia is still standing today in Istanbul.
What role did women play?
The family was the center of social life for most Byzantines, the importance of marriage and family life was stressed in religion and the government. Woman were not encouraged to live independent lives, they were expected to stay at home and take care of the children.
Why was education important?
In the Byzantine Empire being well educated was highly respected, the government supported the training of scholars and government officials. In schools boys learned religion, medicine, law, arithmetic, grammar, and other subjects. Girls usually did not attend school and were taught at home.