The Byzantine Empire

JUSTINIAN most successful leader of the Byzantine empire repaired Byzantium and restored it to it's former glory, giving it the new name Constantinople ordered the building of the Hagia Sophia responsible for Justinian's code which reformed Roman law Justinian's code is important bc many nations (including US) modeled their own laws/constituitons on it

CONSTANTINOPLE LOCATION: in between Europe and Asia traders would bring goods to city from Asia or Europe via foot or sea so, great location allowed Justinian to place taxes on trade which improved the wealth of the Byzantine empire city surrounded by water on 3 sides served as natural protection for the city

Theodora wife of Justinian, shrewd politician ruled along side Justinian was his advisor when young, worked in circus with father & became an actress, or prostitute, after his death early life led her to made laws that helped women, children, and the poor

The Great SchismEastertern (Constantinople) and Western (Rome) differences: Patriarch (E) vs the Pope (W) priests CAN marry (E) vs priests CANNOT marry (W) official language Greek (E) vs Latin (W) Great Schism was caused by Patriarch banning worship involving images/idols Pope disagreed bc many Christians could not read they excommunicated each other

Hagia Sophia