Byzantine EmpireThis is a photo of present-day Istanbul, Turkey, which was formerly Constantinople, the capital city o the Byzantine Empire.

The Byzantine Empire grew out of the fading Roman Empire. In the 4th century A.D., the western half of the Roman Empire had been weakened by barbarian invasions.

At the same time, Christianity was a growing force and Constantine the Great became the first Christian emperor of Rome.

The eastern portion of the Empire had a longer tradition of absolutism (obeying a single ruler) and monotheism (worshiping a single God) than did the West, so Constantine decided to consolidate his rule by moving the capital eastward. He chose the Greek seaport of Byzantium and renamed it New Rome, but it was known as his city: Constantinople.

Constantine chose the new capital for its fine harbor and strategic locale. The city was surrounded on three sides by water, which was excellent for trade, as well as for defense.

Since Constantinople began as the eastern capital of the Roman Empire, Byzantine culture was heavily influenced by the Roman Empire. The city was modeled after Rome. It was built on seven hills and divided into 14 districts.

The Byzantine empire retained but relaxed many of the roman Empire’s rules and customs. Extravagant circuses and chariot races continued on Constantinople, along with such traditions as the emperor's distribution of bread to the citizens.

The army followed Roman military traditions. Some of Rome’s class-based standards of punishment and dress for the rich and poor remained but some mobility later became possible.

The one major difference between Constantinople and Rome was that from its inception Constantinople was a Christian city.

The Byzantine Empire was bridge between ancient and modern Europe.

Christianity, Roman customs, and Greek classical culture all survived, blended, and flourished in the Empire.

The Byzantine Empire’s sixteenth and most ambitious ruler was the Emperor Justinian I. He ascended the throne at age 45. He was very devout, determined, and even stubborn. Rather than allow problems to develop, he took steps to prevent them. He was an ambitious military leader, and he funded his military ventures by taxing the people heavily.

Like all Byzantine emperors, he was the absolute head of both the Christian church and the state. The throne was built wide enough to seat two---thus symbolizing the emperor’s partnership with Jesus.

The codification of 400 years’ worth of Roman law was one of Justinian’s major accomplishments. He appointed a group of 10 men to collect and organize the laws made and used by all the emperors before him. As a result, the laws were revised and new legal code called the Body of Civil Law was created. It was also known as the Code of Justinian.

Justinian also built new bridges, churches, monasteries, forums, forts, and roads. His stonemasons, architects, and planners were also responsible for building hospitals, public baths, recreation centers, a law library, and a seaside park filled with statues.

Justinian’s wife, the Empress Theodora, was remarkable and influential. She equaled and sometimes surpassed her husband in political skill and wisdom. She is credited for saving the empire.