Friday, January 15, 2010

Aim: How did the Byzantine Empire grow rich and powerful?

Do Now- Think of your own community. How have groups of people from different backgrounds contributed to its character? What would your town or city be like without these contributions from all the different groups?

Byzantine Empire in the Beginning

Eastern Roman Empire became the Byzantine

Greeks made up the largest group

Constantinople was the capitol located near major waterways (Black sea and Aegean sea)

Was influenced by the Romans



How did the Empire change?

Became more Greek

Became the richest and the most advanced empire



Emperor Justinian

Became emperor

Was a strong leader

Gave women rights because of his wife

Wanted to reunite Rome

Conquered most of Italy and northern Africa

Justinian’s Code – reformed the law code

People can easily understand the laws