Byzantine Empire Quiz

When did the Byzantine Empire fall?

• A.D. 330

• A.D. 476

• A.D. 1453

• A.D. 1454

Answer explanation

The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, fell in the year A.D. 1453. This marked the end of the empire with the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks. The other options A.D. 330, A.D. 476, and A.D. 1454 are incorrect as they do not correspond to the fall of the Byzantine Empire.

What was the capital city of the Byzantine Empire?

• Rome

• Athens

• Constantinople

• Byzantium

Answer explanation

The capital city of the Byzantine Empire was Constantinople, not Rome, Athens, or Byzantium. Constantinople was the heart of the Byzantine Empire and its most significant city, serving as the hub of its economic, political, and cultural life. It was named after Emperor Constantine the Great, who made it the new capital of the Roman Empire.

Who established Christianity as Rome's official religion?

• Constantine I

• Justinian I

• Valentinian I

• Romulus Augustus

Answer explanation

Constantine I, also known as Constantine the Great, established Christianity as Rome's official religion. He played a significant role in the spread of Christianity by issuing the Edict of Milan in 313 AD, which granted religious tolerance to Christians. This allowed Christianity to flourish and eventually become the dominant religion in the Roman Empire.

What was the official language of the Byzantine Empire?

• Latin

• Greek

• English

• Arabic

Answer explanation

The official language of the Byzantine Empire was Greek. Latin was initially used, but Greek became the dominant language as the empire evolved. English and Arabic were not official languages of the Byzantine Empire.

Who was the first great ruler of the Byzantine Empire?

• Constantine I

• Valentinian I

• Justinian I

• Romulus Augustus

Answer explanation

Justinian I was the first great ruler of the Byzantine Empire. He is known for his significant contributions to the Byzantine Empire, including the codification of Roman laws, which is known as Justinian's Code. None of the other options, Constantine I, Valentinian I, or Romulus Augustus, had such a profound impact on the Byzantine Empire as Justinian I did.

Which emperor ruled during the golden age of the Byzantine Empire?

• Constantine XI

• Michael III

• Basil

• Alexius I

Answer explanation

The golden age of the Byzantine Empire, also known as the Macedonian Renaissance, was under the rule of the Macedonian dynasty. Basil I, the founder of this dynasty, is the emperor who ruled during this period. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is Basil.

What was the name of the movement that denied the holiness of religious images?

• Iconoclasm

• Crusades

• Byzantine Art

• Council of Chalcedon

Answer explanation

The movement that denied the holiness of religious images is known as Iconoclasm. This term comes from the Greek words 'eikon' meaning 'image' and 'klastein' meaning 'to break'. It was a significant period in history where many religious images in churches and monasteries were destroyed because they were considered idolatrous.

Which event marked the beginning of the Crusades?

• Fall of Constantinople

• Council of Chalcedon

• Declaration of holy war by Pope Urban II

• Conquest of Nicaea

Answer explanation

The Crusades began with the declaration of holy war by Pope Urban II in 1095, which is the correct answer. This event marked a significant turning point in history, as it led to a series of religious wars between Christians and Muslims. The other options, such as the Fall of Constantinople, Council of Chalcedon, and Conquest of Nicaea, are related to different historical events.

When did the Ottoman army storm Constantinople?

• A.D. 330

• A.D. 476

• A.D. 1453

• A.D. 1454

Answer explanation

The Ottoman army stormed Constantinople in A.D. 1453. This marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and the start of the Ottoman Empire. The other options, A.D. 330 and A.D. 476, are significant as they mark the founding and fall of the Western Roman Empire respectively, while A.D. 1454 is a year after the correct answer.

Who was the last emperor of the Byzantine Empire?

• Constantine XI

• Michael VIII

• John V

• Mehmed II

Answer explanation

The last emperor of the Byzantine Empire was Constantine XI. He reigned from 1449 until his death in 1453, during the fall of Constantinople. The other options, Michael VIII, John V, and Mehmed II, were also significant figures in Byzantine history, but none of them were the last emperor.