The Byzantine Empire One-Pager

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Cultural: Viewed themselves as “Romans”, but spoke Greek, they were more culturally similar to the Greeks. They saved many Ancient Greek texts. They practiced Christianity because it was the official religion.

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Economic: The Byzantine Empire had low taxes, common currency, and custom fees, making it a great place to trade, as many did, especially in Constantinople. This was because of the empire’s interference with the majority of trade.

Interaction: The Byzantine Empire had many ties with other nations, since Constantinople, the Byzantine capital, was centered on one of the largest and important trading hubs. They traded with almost all of Eurasia and Northern Africa.

Historical Causation and Background

CCOT in the Byzantine Empire

Comparison (Byzantine Empire vs. Roman Empire)

The Byzantine empire, compared to the Roman Empire, is far more Hellenistic because the population spoke Greek, rather than Latin. The Byzantine Empire lasted for 1000 years, while the Roman Empire lasted for 1500 (though some could say only 500). Government structures were the same, both states were autocratic and ruled by one emperor.

The Byzantine Empire came about because of the collapse the Roman Empire; the citizens of the Byzantine empire viewed themselves as Romans, although they spoke Greek, which supports the reason why they built this empire. The Byzantine Empire lasted from 330 A.D. until 1453 A.D.. The western half lasted until 476; eastern for nearly 1000 more years. The Empire fell after The Ottoman Empire's army barraged Constantinople, the Byzantine capital. Christianity was dictated the official religion, many spoke Greek but called themselves Romans, and it was called "New Rome" by Constantine I.

Bibliography

Changes in the Byzantine Empire were; moving the capital city from Rome to Constantinople, implementing an official religion (Christianity), and shifting the official language from Latin to Greek. Continuations in the Byzantine Empire were; keeping the government structure the same throughout the span of the empire and keeping with many Roman government traditions and cultural traditions.

History.com Staff. “Byzantine Empire.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2010, www.history.com/topics/ancient-history/byzantine-empire.

Byzantine Empire Quotes, www.byzantineempires.org/byzantine-empire-quotes.html.

“Byzantine Empire.” Ancient History Encyclopedia, www.ancient.eu/Byzantine_Empire/.

“What Was the Significance of the Byzantine Empire to Western Europe?” Enotes.com, Enotes.com, www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-was-significance-byzantine-epire-western-293887.

“Byzantine Empire.” Byzantine Empire - All About Turkey, www.allaboutturkey.com/bizans.htm.

Andrews, Evan. “10 Things You May Not Know About the Byzantine Empire.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 2 June 2016, www.history.com/news/history-lists/10-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-byzantine-empire.

Gudek, Tea. “Medieval Wall.” Articles, www.medievalwall.com/art-of-different-countries/rise-development-byzantine-empire/.

“Social Hierarchy and Views of Human Nature in the Byzantine Empire.” The Byzantine Empire, 30 Nov. 2012, kevinasai.wordpress.com/social-hierarchy-and-views-of-human-nature-in-the-byzantine-empire/.

“Guided Practice: Continuity and Change in the Byzantine Empire.” Khan Academy, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/world-history/medieval-times/byzantine-empire/a/the-rise-of-the-byzantine-empire.

Byzantine Empire Trade and Trade Routes, www.byzantineempires.org/byzantine-empire-trade-and-trade-routes.html.

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Map of the Byzantine Empire

Social: There were three main classes; upper class (large landowners, wealthy people, military officers, government officials), middle class (merchants, owners of medium-sized land, industrialists), and low class (poorer people), but some argue that there was another class containing clergy people because, although they were treated like the lower class, they had special privileges that members of multiple classes had.

Quote

“The throne is a glorious sepulcher” (Empress Theodora).

Images

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Political: The Byzantine empire had an autocratic government with emperors that completely ruled. There was never a written body of law because the emperors were viewed as being informed by God.

The Byzantine Empire One-Pager

By: Bella Mora