The Byzantine Empire

What the resources cover

The listed material follows the empire from its beginnings to its collapse. The mind map titled Byzantine Empire sets out Justinian, Theodora, Constantinople and Justinian's Code, including the idea of fair laws that applied to everyone. Other maps look at the seventh century transformation, the image struggle and iconoclasm, Constantine V, and the aftermath of the Battle of Manzikert.

Where to start

Begin with the mind map Byzantine Empire for the big picture. Then open the Justinian map, which covers his rule, his unpopularity, the Hippodrome rebels and his marriage to Theodora. The Byzantine Flashcards deck is a good next step: it covers Constantinople, Hagia Sophia, icons, the Great Schism, patriarchs and autocrats.

A simple order

1. Read a general map or note on the empire.
2. Move to Justinian and his code.
3. Look at the seventh century maps for change in territory, economy and urban life.
4. Follow the icons thread through the iconoclasm maps.
5. Finish with maps on collapse and crisis.

Using quizzes and maps together

The quizzes here are few, so treat them as checkpoints. Try Byzantine Empire- The Dark Ages, Open note Quiz after you have read a map. It asks about the relationship between the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. If a question stumps you, go back to the matching map, find the branch that covers it, and read that part again. Then try the quiz once more.

Notes and project material

Many of the notes and flashcard decks come from class projects and textbook chapters. They vary in style, so compare two or three. The Timeline of the Byzantine Empire note and the Byzantine Empire- Study and Discussion Questions note are useful for putting events in order and for talking points in class. Teachers can pick a map or deck to share with a group.

Where this unit sits

This unit belongs to the strand The Medieval World in the subject History. Choose a resource that matches how you like to study, then make your own flashcards or map from what you learn.