7th Chapter 1.2 Key Terms 1. – In Roman Empire was divided in 395 C.E. The eastern half eventually became known as the Byzantine Empire. Height of this empire was in the 500s C.E., its territory extended west to , south of Egypt, and east to the Arabian border. Empire was made up of Greeks, Egyptians, Syrians, Arabs, Armenians, Jews, , , and Turks. The Emperor was Justinian.

2. – was the Byzantine capital. By the 500s C.E. the city had become one of the world’s most advanced cities. Its location was ideal. It was located on a peninsula between the and the Sea of Marmara. The city was located at a crossroads of trade routes between Europe and .

3. Hippodrome – an oval arena in Constantinople. It could hold over 60,000 spectators. In the stadium, chariot races, imperial ceremonies, political demonstrations, and other events took place there.

4. Justinian – he was the Emperor of the Byzantine Empire. He was a skilled general and a strong leader. He ruled from 527 C.E. until 565 C.E. He governed with supreme power and controlled the military and all of the legal decisions.

5. Empress Theodora – she was Justinian’s wife. She was very beautiful, intelligent, and ambitious. She participated actively in government. She helped women win more legal rights (ex: a widow could own land to support her family)

6. Justinian Code – the new simple and better code of . The code helped officials and businesspeople better understand the empire’s laws. Throughout centuries, the Justinian Code has been the basis for the legal systems of almost every country in the Western world.

7. Hagia Sophia – a beautiful, architectural church in Constantinople, also known as “Holy Wisdom.” Took six years to finish (537 C.E.). The inside had walls of polished marble and beautiful gold and silver ornaments. Still stands in Istanbul today. Has been a museum since 1935.

8. Mosaics – are patterns or pictures made from small pieces of colored glass or stone.

9. – Christian holy people, sometime depicted in mosaics.

10. – he was a general who strengthened and reorganized the Byzantine army.

11. “Justinian’s Plague” – a deadly disease that swept through Asia and Europe in the mid-500s. It killed millions of people, including soldiers causing the Byzantine Empire to be weakened and difficult in its ability to fight wars.