The Byzantine Empire 9.3 Grew rich and powerful A.D. 500-A.D. 1200 Capital- Constantinople One of the worlds great cities Wealthy Safe harbors Crossroads of trade routes between Europe and Asia Secure land location Easily defended Influence of Greek Culture At first, followed Roman ways Became more Greek as time passed Blended non-Greek and Persian cultures Emperor Justinian A.D. 527-A.D. 565 Wife, Theodora Helped choose government officials Convinced Justinian to give women more rights Encouraged Justinian to stay and fight back an uprising in A.D He won and gained more power. Justinians Goal Reunite the Roman Empire General Belisarius Armored cavalry Successful Unable to hold the west, not enough money to maintain the army Justinians Law Code Why? Laws disorganized, difficult to understand How? Scholars led by Tribonian Effects? Laws more understandable Influenced Europes laws Byzantine Civilization Center of trade between Europe and Asia Made the Empire very rich Main industry- SILK WEAVING Artists and Architects Many churches, forts, and public buildings Hagia Sophia Mosaics Family center of social life Divorce rare Women Cared for home and family Educated (at home) some involved in politics Education Govt. supported Boys went to school Literature Wrote about religion Copied and passed on the writings of ancient Greece and Rome. SAVED THEM!