Questions and Answers
What was the capital of the Byzantine Empire?
Constantinople
What was Justinian I's main ambition?
To restore the old Roman Empire's glory
What was Justinian I's greatest personal achievement?
His codification of existing Roman law, known as the Justinian Code
Who was the wife of Justinian?
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Name some of the groups that invaded the Byzantine Empire after the death of Justinian.
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How did the rise of Islam threaten the Byzantine Empire?
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What secret weapon was used to defeat the Arabs?
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Explain the iconoclast controversy.
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Under which emperor did the Byzantine Empire reach its greatest height since the days of Justinian the Great?
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What were some of Basil II's accomplishments?
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Explain how the empire became vulnerable to invaders following the death of Basil II.
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Give the date and outcome of the Battle of Manzikert.
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What emperor attempted to save the empire from the Turkish invasions by appealing to the West for help?
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Who were the leaders of the two opposing armies during the last siege of Constantinople?
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In what year did Constantinople fall?
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Study Notes
Byzantine Empire Overview
- Capital of the Byzantine Empire was Constantinople.
Justinian I
- Main ambition was to restore the glory of the old Roman Empire through military expansion, architecture, and legal reforms.
- Greatest personal achievement was the Justinian Code, which codified existing Roman law and integrated biblical principles.
Empress Theodora
- Wife of Justinian I.
- Assisted in legal matters, influencing decisions and policies.
Invasions Post-Justinian
- Lombards and Normans invaded from Italy.
- Avars, Bulgars, and Slavs invaded from the North.
- Persians invaded from the East.
Rise of Islam
- Islam's spread threatened the Byzantine Empire, leading to the loss of the Middle East, North Africa, Egypt, Palestine, and Syria.
- Utilized Greek Fire (a flamethrower) as a secret weapon to defeat Arab forces.
Iconoclast Controversy
- A significant conflict due to the condemnation of icons in worship by the Eastern Emperor.
Height of the Empire
- The Byzantine Empire reached its pinnacle under Basil II.
- Accomplishments included the conquest of the Bulgars, reinforcement of borders, and territorial expansion.
Vulnerability After Basil II
- After Basil II's death, the empire became vulnerable due to indulgence in luxuries and decline in military preparedness.
- The Battle of Manzikert occurred in 1071, resulting in the Turks overrunning Asia Minor.
Appeal for Western Help
- Emperor Alexius Comnenus sought assistance from the West to combat Turkish invasions.
Fall of Constantinople
- The last siege of Constantinople featured leaders Constantine XI and Mohammed II.
- Constantinople fell on May 29, 1453.
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Description
This quiz focuses on Chapter 10 Section 1 of World History, exploring key elements of the Byzantine Empire, including its capital and the ambitions of Justinian I. Test your knowledge on significant historical facts and achievements that shaped this era.
