Byzantine Empire

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ng--WLT0Xjc

Section 1- Constantine Creates a "New Rome"

You have read that the German invaders pounded the Roman empire in the west, the Roman emperor Constantine and his successors shifted their base to the eastern Mediterranean. Constantine rebuilt the Greek city of Byzantium and then renamed it after himself- Constantinople. In 330, he made Constantinople the new capital of the empire. From this "New Rome," roads fanned out to the Balkans, to the Middle East, and to North Africa. In time, the eastern Roman empire became known as the Byzantine empire.

Section 2- Byzantium Flourishes under Justinian

The Byzantine empire reached its peak under the emperor Justinian, who ruled from 527 to 565. Justinian was determined to revive ancient Rome by recovering lands that had been overrun by invaders. Led by the brilliant general Belisarius, Byzantine armies reconquered North Africa, Italy, and the southern Iberian peninsula. However, the fighting exhausted Justinian's treasury and weakened his defenses in the east. Moreover, the victories were only temporary. Justinian's successors would lose the bitterly contested lands, one after the other.

Section 3- Byzantine Christianity

Christianity was a influential in the Byzantine empire as it was in Western Europe. But the way Christianity was practiced differed in the two regions. Over time, these differences became more distinct and caused increasing friction.

Section 4- The Empire Suffers Crisis and Collapse

By the time of the schism, the Byzantine empire was in decline. Struggles over succession, court intrigues, and constant wars undermined its strength. As in Western Europe, powerful local lords gained control of large areas. As the empire faltered, its enemies advanced. The Normans conquered southern Italy. Even more serious, the Seljuk Turks advanced across Asia Minor. The Seljuks had been a nomadic people in central Asia. They converted to Islam in their migrations westward.