Byzantine Empire

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THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE

Built by the great emperor Constantine, the Byzantine Empire grew to be a powerful nation earning wealth, advances in architecture, advances in government and eventually the title New Rome.

Byzantine Empire Flashcards

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Byzantine Empire the first Christian state

Wanted to govern with Christian philosophy

Had a Roman government

Emperor Justinian reconquered most of the Roman empire

Justinian's form of ruling included many reformations such as "Justinian's Code" and making his wife, Theodora, his empress

Due to his accomplishments, he was as seen as co-ruler of Christ

Most Byzantines believed that they were the true Christian City

Eastern Orthodoxy spread north into Russia and Eastern Europe.

The strong central government helped the Byzantine Empire flourish

Peasants formed the backbone, working the land, paying taxes, and providing soldiers for the military

Because of this, their currency system did not crumble

During this time, the Byzantine's were able to form one of the strongest military forces in the world

Using a secret weapon (which we are still not sure how it was created) called "Greek fire". This weapon was a type of fire that could not be put out with water. Using this, they were able to catch many enemies by surprise

Power of the Byzantine Empire

After many small wars with neighboring peoples began to pillage through the Empire, including the Seljuks, Venicians, and western Christians, the Byzantine Empire finally collapsed in 1453 when Ottoman forces surrounded Constantinople and broke through the city's defenses. The Ottoman ruler renamed the city Istanbul and became the capital of his empire. The city soon re-emerged as the great center of Muslim Culture.