Byzantium: between West and East
Answers are for parents and teachers.
1
Why does Byzantium’s location make it a “country between West and East”? Use a map.
Its territory covered Europe (the Balkans) and Asia (Asia Minor, Syria); Constantinople lay on the Bosporus.
2
Write the positive and negative sides of Justinian I noted by historians.
Positive: a code of laws was compiled, buildings such as Hagia Sophia were raised and many lands were recovered. Negative: taxes grew heavier, the Nika revolt of 532 was harshly crushed and long wars emptied the treasury.
3
How could a child of ordinary people rise to high office in Byzantium?
Through education, talent and success in the army, the church or government service; for example, Justinian’s uncle Justin I came from a peasant family and became emperor.
4
Write a chronology of Justinian I: 527, 534, 565.
Accession; end of the Vandal kingdom; death.