Byzantine Empire
The eastern half of the Roman Empire that continued after the fall of Rome in 476 AD. Its capital was Constantinople.
Constantinople
The capital city of the Byzantine Empire, located between Europe and Asia. It was an important center of trade and culture. Today it is called Istanbul.
Justinian I
A famous Byzantine emperor (ruled 527–565 AD) who expanded the empire and created an important law code.
Justinian Code
A collection of laws organized under Justinian that became the foundation for many modern legal systems.
Theodora
The wife of Justinian I. She was a strong and influential empress who advised Justinian and supported women’s rights.
Hagia Sophia
A massive church built in Constantinople under Justinian. It was known for its large dome and beautiful mosaics.
Mosaic
Art made by placing small pieces of colored glass or stone together to create pictures. Mosaics decorated many Byzantine churches.
Icon
A religious image used in Christian worship especially in the Byzantine Empire.
Iconoclasm
A movement in the Byzantine Empire that opposed the use of religious images (icons).
Eastern Orthodox Church
The Christian church that developed in the Byzantine Empire and split from the Roman Catholic Church in 1054.
Schism
A split or division between groups. The Great Schism divided Christianity into Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox branches.
Caesaropapism
A system where the emperor had authority over both the government and the church.
Greek Fire
A powerful Byzantine weapon that could burn even on water. It was used in naval battles.
Silk Road
A network of trade routes that connected Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Constantinople became wealthy because of this trade.
