The Byzantine Empire

The Byzantine Empire

1. Constantinople was a vital center of the empire

   • located on the shores of Bosporus- had an excellent harbor
     • commanded key trade routes linking Europe and Asia
       • had an elaborate system of land and sea walls to bolster its defenses

2. Reached its peak under the Emperor Justinian

   • determined to revive Rome by recovering lands that had been overrun by invaders
     • reconquered North Africa, Italy, and Southern Iberian Peninsula.
   • he co-ruled with Theodora, his wife, who was a shrewd politician and pursued her own politics

3. The byzantine military and economy had many strengths

   • the military had soldiers, ships, and sailors that protected the empire along with the Greek Fire which gave them an advantage in war.
     • the economy had a strong central government along with a flourishing trade industry.

4. The Great Schism,or split of the Eastern and Western Christianity occurred over a dispute of the use of icons.

   • Eastern " Byzantine Churches" kept their right to marry, spoke greek, and put more emphasis on Easter
   • The Western " Roman Catholic Church" didn't allow priests to marry, spoke Latin, and put more emphasis on Christmas.