Byzantine Empire Notes

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The Byzantine Empire

Justinian: a powerful emperor of the Byzantine Empire; from a poor background- did not inherit the throne; Justinian Code: laws and legal interpretations of the Byzantine empire, words did not create a new legal code

Theodora: the wife of Justinian and Empress of the Byzantine Empire; poor background- forced by mother to become a prostitute and was in the circus and bear danced

Constantinople: capital and most important city of the Byzantine Empire, excellent location due to sea routes, blended Greek, Roman, and Christian influences and connected Asia and Europe because of trade

Hagia Sophia: A church built by Justinian; linked Muslim and Christian religions; Cathedral/ mosque originally, now it is a museum

Icons: Holy images that helped contribute to the Great Schism

The Great Schism: a split in the church because of discrepancies; 2 sides, east and west

EAST

Greek

Easter is the main holiday

Priests could get married

Led by a patriarch

WEST

Latin

Christmas is the main holiday

Priests could not be married

Led by the Pope