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Unit 4 - Byzantine Empire
Decline, Reasons for the Survival of the Byzantine Empire & The
Byzantine Legacy
The Decline of the Byzantine Empire
• The late Byzantine Empire continuously battled:– Slavs & Avars from the north– Persians Empire from the east– Islam from the south
The Decline of the Byzantine Empire
• The empire declined further in the 11th century.– The Seljuk Turks (originally from Central Asia)
defeated the Byzantine army in 1071 & took possession of most of Asia Minor.
– Crusaders attacked the city in 1204– The Byzantines still controlled the Balkan
Peninsula & survived for another 400 years.
The Decline of the Byzantine Empire
• The empire declined further in the 11th century.
– By the 1440’s, (because of constant attacks) the empire was reduced to a small area just around the city of Constantinople.
– In 1453, Constantinople was finally conquered by the Ottoman Turks.
Reasons for the Survival of the Byzantine Empire
Classical Cultures• Benefited from a rich infusion of Greek,
Roman, Christian & Middle Eastern cultures.
Reasons for the Survival of the Byzantine Empire
Location• Crossroads of Europe & Asia.• Because of the trade, Constantinople became
very wealthy.
Reasons for the Survival of the Byzantine Empire
Strong Central Government• Ruled by a series of powerful emperors.• Strong centralized administration• A single set of laws.
Reasons for the Survival of the Byzantine Empire
Large Army• Government taxed merchants & peasants to
support a large standing army.
The Byzantine Legacy
Preserved Ancient Cultures• Preserved the rich heritage of classical
civilizations including:– Greek Philosophy & science– Roman engineering– Copies of ancient texts were saved despite
destruction in the west.
The Byzantine Legacy
Code of Justinian• Justinian consolidated Roman Laws into a
single legal code which served as a guide on most legal questions.
• It greatly influenced later Western legal systems.
The Byzantine Legacy
New form of Christianity• Eastern Orthodox Christianity was led by the
Patriarch & the emperor of Constantinople rather than the Pope in Rome.
The Byzantine Legacy
The Arts• Renowned for their mosaics, painted icons,
gold jewelry & silks.• Hagia Sophia is considered one of the world’s
most beautiful buildings.