10.2.1 - Byzantine Empire & Middle Ages

In 730, the Byzantine Emperor Leo III, banned the use of icons. Why were these icons considered controversial?

• They reinforced social classes based on birth.

• They caused too much fighting between political parties.

• They were sold by priests in order to “buy” forgiveness.

• They were accused of committing idolatry by worshiping the images of God/Jesus.

The accomplishments listed in the box can be attributed to which leader?

• Genghis Khan

• Justinian

• Theodora

• Julius Caesar

The Justinian Code is considered a milestone because it—

• preserved ancient Chinese moral legacies.

• served as a model for European legal systems.

• became the first democratic constitution.

• united Muslim and Roman thought.

What were the characteristics of the Byzantine Empire? Select TWO correct answers.

• Undertook massive building projects such as the Hagia Sophia.

• Re-conquered most of the western half of the former Roman Empire.

• Codified Roman laws.

• Supported the growth of the Catholic Church

This paragraph was written to celebrate the accomplishments of Justinian and the Byzantine Empire. One of the greatest impacts of Justinian's rule was Justinian's Code. Which line of the text references why the Roman laws needed improvement?

"In our own age there has been born the Emperor Justinian, who, taking over the State when it was harassed by disorder, has not only "In our own age there has been born the Emperor Justinian, who, ​ (a)   by disorder, has not only ... ​made it greater in extent (​ (b)   ), but much more illustrious (​ (c)   ) ... Justinian, created ​ (d)   which did not exist before. ... finding the laws obscure (​​ (e)   ) ... because they had become far more numerous than they should be, and in obvious confusion because they disagreed with each other, preserved them by cleansing them of the mass of their verbal trickery (confusion), and by controlling their discrepancies (differences) with the greatest firmness."

Procopius: A Byzantine Historian

• taking over the State when it was harassed
• size
• countless cities
• glorious
• unclear
• preserved
• controlling

The location of this city was called the “Golden Horn”; it featured baths, schools, markets, and the Hippodrome. It is located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. What city is this?

• Athens

• Constantinople

• Alexandria

• Kiev

What was considered an impact of the fall of Rome on Western Europe?

• 1. Western Europe returned to a republican form of government.

• 1. Western Europe entered a period of chaos and disorder.

• 1. Western Europe came under the control of the Muslims.

• 1. Western Europe was absorbed by the Byzantine Empire.

Which statement best describes the role of the Roman Catholic Church in Europe during the Middle Ages?

• The Church lost all of its power

• The Church provided a sense of stability, unity, and order

• The Church encouraged individuals to question authority

• Church leaders were involved solely in spiritual activities

What political system developed in Western Europe after the fall of the Roman Empire?

• Feudalism

• Democracy

• Totalitarianism

• Absolute monarchy

The passage above describes the development of which defensive mechanism during the Middle Ages in Europe?

• Cathedral

• Castles

• Mosques

• Hospitals