Global History I: Spiconardi Byzantine Empire had reached its height under Justinian ( ) Empire began a slow and long decline after Justinians reign Constant Invasions Size of Empire continually decreases Seljuk Turks In 1071 Seljuk Turks conquer most of the empire except for the areas immediately surrounding Constantinople Fourth Crusade ( ) Christian Crusaders stop in Constantinople on their way to Holy Land Crusaders Occupy Constantinople for 50 years Fall of Constantinople (1453) Major Turning Point in World History Ottoman Turks sack Constantinople Rename the city Istanbul Converted the ancient Christian city into the capital of their Muslim City European Nations are forced to find new Trade routes to avoid Muslims Sail around Africa (Vasco da Gama) Sail West (Columbus) Kiev small Viking state on Dnieper River River provided easy access to sea promotes trade and cultural diffusion Lays foundations for modern Russia Olga, Vladimir, & Conversion to Christianity Princess Olga visits Constantinople in 957 and converts to Christianity Vladimir Olgas grandson Decides his realm should adopt an official religion Commissions a report on the three major religions: Christianity, Judaism, and Islam Adopts Christianity Baptizes all citizens of Kiev in the Dnieper River Imports teachers from the Byzantine Empire Government Autocracy Czar (Tsar) derived from Caesar Ah, wacka wacka Architecture Onion Dome Eastview Middle School Language Cyrillic Alphabet Religion Orthodox Christianity