Do Now

___1. The great leader of Persia was named:A. CyrusB. NebuchadnezzarC. AshurbanipalD. Huey___2. The Chaldeans can also be called:A. PersianB. AssyrianC. BabylonianD. Hebrew___3. This religion involved the belief in both a good and evil god fighting for influence on earth.A. IslamB. ZoroastrianismC. JudaismD. Hinduism___4. The most religiously tolerant civilization was:A. PersiaB. ChaldeanC. HebrewD. Assyria

Answer the following questions on your Do Now sheet.

Differences between the Empires

Constantinople blessed as Christian city, many in Rome still Pagans.Mix of cultures = multiculturalism.Byzantines spoke Greek, Romans – Latin.Constantinople serves as capital of Byzantine Empire for 1000+ years.

The Golden Age of the Empire

Justinian’s reign

JustinianEmpire reaches height in culture and prosperity under Emperor Justinian.Rules from 527 to 565.What’s he do?o Preserves Roman lawo Extends empireo Expands trade

Code of LawsProbably most important legacy.He sets up a team of scholars to gather and organize ancient Roman laws.This team creates what will be known as a “body of civil law”.Later Emperors continue to build the code.Code includes Roman laws, legal writings, and even a student handbook.By the 1100’s, it reaches Western Europe and becomes the basis for both Medieval rulers and the Roman Catholic ChurchIt still influences International Treaties today.

Extends EmpireExtends Empire

Empire reaches its greatest sizeLed by the brilliant general Belisarius.He will conquer parts of North Africa, Italy, and southern Spain.

http://www.students.sbc.edu/mckinney03/gmm/images/justinian.jpg

Awesome Wife!TheodoraTough, aggressive politician, would challenge the emperor’s orders.Diplomat-negotiated for the Byzantine Empire.Champions women’s rights and sets up hospitals for the poor.She dies in 548, which shatters Justinian. It was during her reign that the empire had the most glorious days.

ReflectionWrite down and answer the following questions on your reflection log:

Where was Justinian from?What structure was the center of Constantinople’s public life?How long after the Nika riots did the construction of the Hagia Sophia begin?

Justinian’s Cultural Influence

Greek and Roman styles still have influence, but Christianity and Emperor are strong.Hagia Sophia = Holy Wisdomo Church designed by Justiniano Largest dome in world at the timeo Decorated with gold, marble, and mosaicso Mosaics = art using a series of small

ceramic or glass pieces

Still in Istanbul, Turkey

The Hagia Sophia

http://members.fortunecity.com/fstav1/agsofia4.jpg