Traditions and Encounters, 4th Edition (Bentley)

Chapter 13: THE COMMONWEALTH OF BYZANTIUM

Interactive Map Quiz

1

Map A. Byzantine Empire


The Byzantine Empire was the eastern portion of the Roman Empire, and its reign spanned from 395 until 1453. During the sixth century, Byzantium reached the zenith of its imperial expansion under the reign of Justinian. Justinian's rule was characterized by the largest gain in territory since the beginning of the Eastern Roman Empire. Much of the Mediterranean region was conquered, including Italy, northern Africa, and Spain. After the death of Justinian, the empire was rocked by a series of invasions from the Lombards, Slavs, and Persians, who regained control over many of the previously conquered regions. This began the gradual loss of territory that characterized the next several centuries of Byzantine reign. During the Crusades of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, even more territory was lost to Ottoman control. Finally in 1453, the city of Constantinople was attacked and fell to Mehmed II, and the Ottoman Empire gained control of the remainder of Byzantine territory.


What characteristics did Byzantium inherit from the Roman empire? How did it differ?

2

What internal weaknesses and external threats account for the fall of Byzantium?

3

Why did Christianity split into two regional and very different divisions? Do you think the basic differences between the two branches of organized Christianity were more political or religious in their roots?

4

Compare and contrast the methods and philosophies of rule used by Byzantium rulers to those employed by rulers of Han, Roman, and Persian empires.

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