Byzantine Empire Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What happened when emperor of Rome, Constantine, decided to create a 'new Rome'?

The Roman Empire crumbled and fell in 476, the eastern half survived for 1,000 more years, spawning a rich tradition of art, literature and learning.

When and why did the Byzantine Empire fall?

The Byzantine Empire fell in 1453, after an Ottoman army stormed Constantinople during the reign of Constantine XI.

What was the purpose of Byzantium?

The site of Byzantium was ideally located to serve as a transit and trade point between Europe and Asia Minor.

What was the official religion for Rome?

Christianity was established as Rome's official religion. Signup and view all the answers

What was Rome's culture?

Christian, Greek, Latin. Signup and view all the answers

What is special about the Byzantine Empire?

Its longevity, as it was the only organized state west of China to survive without interruption from ancient times until the beginning of the modern age. Signup and view all the answers

What took place after Constantine's death?

The empire was divided into western and eastern sections; the western part struggled and finally fell in 476. Signup and view all the answers

What was significant about Eastern Rome's geographic location?

It was difficult to breach its defenses, had a shorter common frontier with Europe, and enjoyed greater wealth and stability. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the rulers or patriarchs of the five patriarchates of Rome?

Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem. Signup and view all the answers

What was Byzantium's official language?

Greek. Signup and view all the answers

Who took over the Byzantine Empire?

Justinian I. Signup and view all the answers

What were Justinian's accomplishments?

He built many monuments, including the Hagia Sophia, and reformed Roman law. Signup and view all the answers

What was lost due to threats from Muslim armies?

Byzantium lost Syria, the Holy Land, Egypt, and North Africa. Signup and view all the answers

What caused debt in the Byzantine Empire?

Debts incurred through war left the empire in dire financial straits. Signup and view all the answers

What was the movement from iconoclasm to monasticism?

Byzantine emperors denied the holiness of icons and prohibited their veneration. Signup and view all the answers

What consisted in the Byzantine Empire's golden age?

More control over trade, greater wealth, and patronage of the arts, restoring cultural institutions. Signup and view all the answers

What was the new official language of the state?

Greek. Signup and view all the answers

What happened with the Crusades?

They were military campaigns sanctioned by the Catholic Church, starting in 1095. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Byzantine fall and legacy?

The economy was crippled, leading to vassalage under the Turks, but Byzantine culture continued to influence Orthodox nations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Fall of the Roman Empire and Byzantine Empire Overview

Emperor Constantine established a "New Rome" at Byzantium, leading to the eventual fall of Western Roman Empire in 476, while the Eastern Roman Empire thrived for another thousand years.
The Byzantine Empire fell in 1453 after the Ottoman army stormed Constantinople during the reign of Constantine XI.

Geographic and Strategic Significance of Byzantium

Byzantium served as a crucial transit and trade point between Europe and Asia, enhancing its strategic importance.
Constantinople's location on a strait made it difficult to conquer and supported a stable administrative center and economic resources.

Religion and Cultural Influence

Christianity was established as Rome's official religion in 325 at the Council of Nicaea, marking a significant cultural shift from previous pagan practices.
Byzantine culture blended Christian, Greek, and Latin traditions, with Greek being the official language after Justinian's rule.

Byzantine Empire's Longevity

The Byzantine Empire was the only organized state west of China to survive from ancient times into the modern age, benefiting from geographic defenses and economic stability.
Rulers could exert control over economic resources and conscript sufficient manpower to defend against invasions.

Major Rulers and Accomplishments

Justinian I (527-565) is noted for monumental construction like the Hagia Sophia and for codifying Roman law that influenced future legal systems.
Under Justinian's rule, the Byzantine Empire expanded but faced financial strains leading to excessive taxation and military overstretch.

Conflict and Decline

The empire began losing territories in Syria, the Holy Land, Egypt, and North Africa due to assaults by Muslim armies.
Debt incurred from wars led to economic troubles and administration difficulties, which contributors to the empire's decline post-Justinian.

Cultural and Religious Movements

A major conflict arose with Iconoclasm, initiated by Leo III, challenging the veneration of religious icons until resolution in 843.
The Byzantine Empire's golden age fostered artistic patronage and study of ancient Greek literature, though it controlled less territory than at the peak.

The Crusades and Byzantine Relations with the West

The Crusades (1095-1291) were military campaigns initiated to aid the Byzantine Empire against Turkish threats, yet they heightened animosity between Byzantium and Western Christians.
Emperor Alexios I sought assistance from Pope Urban II, marking the beginning of the Crusades motivated by religious and territorial objectives.

Final Years and Legacy of the Byzantine Empire

The empire's economy suffered catastrophic decline under the Palaiologan emperors, culminating in the siege of Constantinople and its fall in 1453 to Mehmed II.
Despite its fall, Byzantine culture, particularly its Orthodox religious practices and contributions to literature and theology, influenced many Eastern European nations.

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Description

Explore key concepts and events related to the Byzantine Empire, including its rise and fall. This quiz covers significant historical moments and figures that shaped this influential civilization. Test your knowledge and deepen your understanding of its lasting impact on Europe and Asia.