Byzantine Empire

Byzantine Empire WebQuest

It is important to remember that the Roman Empire did not fall, it really continued by its center being "re-located" in the east, under the Byzantine Empire. For 1000 years, this empire continued and developed as the "New Rome"... So, let's take a short, virtual tour of the Byzantine Empire. Each question and website reveals a different aspect of Byzantine culture.  Answer the questions IN COMPLETE SENTENCES given you at each "tour" site (on your own paper).

1. Describe the splitting of the Roman Empire after the Fall of Rome.

http://www.kidspast.com/world-history/0142-byzantine-empire.php


2. Why was the city of Constantinople strategically located? 

http://www.kidspast.com/world-history/0142-byzantine-empire.php


3. How were the Byzantines different than the Romans?

http://www.kidspast.com/world-history/0144-new-culture.php

4, In 3-4 sentences describe Emperor Justinian.

http://www.kidspast.com/world-history/0145-emperor-justinian.php

5. Describe one long lasting contribution of Justinian?

http://medievaleurope.mrdonn.org/justinianscode.html


   6. The Byzantine Empire was geographically positioned at a highly strategic location, at a crossroads between Europe, Asia, and Africa. List two bodies of water bordering Constantinople and two ethnic kingdoms lying to the north.

 http://byzantium.seashell.net.nz/articlemain.php?artid=mapbase_565

   7.  The Christian church in the east supported the authority of the emperor. Numerous grand churches were constructed in the empire with elaborate art work. Where was the Hagia Sophia located?  What type of building was it and why was it important?  Looking at the pictures, what was the Imperial Gate? 

http://www.livius.org/cn-cs/constantinople/constantinople_hagia_sophia.html  


   8. One of the most significant legacies of the Byzantine Empire was in the realm of law and justice.  What was the Justinian Code?  
What were the three sections of Justinian’s Code and what purpose did they serve? 

  http://orias.berkeley.edu/summer2004/summer2004justiniancode.htm

9.  Take a look at this mosaic from the Byzantine Empire.  What is going in the mosaic?  Why are the people being punished?  What does this tell us about the conflict with the introduction of Christianity?

 http://museum.doaks.org/Obj27113?sid=1092&x=160870&port=2609#

10.  Virtually explore the Hagia Sophia and read the article in the second link, then write a paragraph about whether you believe it should be a museum or converted into a mosque. 

https://www.360tr.com/34_istanbul/ayasofya/english/

http://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2016/07/04/hagia-sophia-call…

11. In 3-4 sentences describe the "Great Schism" that occurred.  When, why and who?

http://www.lordsandladies.org/the-great-schism.htm

12. After looking at facts from the Byzantine Empire in the text, this webquest and your notes, write a paragraph (minimum of 5 sentences, with a topic sentence) on the Byzantine Empire.  To get full credit you must include the dates of the epire, what they valued and a few of their accomplishments.

You will turn your paragraphs in for a quiz grade Friday. All other answers should go in your notes.