How was the architecture of the Byzantine Empire and Roman Empire similar
Constantinople used Roman-style architecture suchas arches & domes
Byzantine cities had forums for trade & arenas to entertain citizens
The official language was Latin, but most Byzantines spoke Greek
Because of its location close to Judea, most Byzantines had converted to Christianity before those in the Western Roman Empire
Both the Roman & Byzantine Empires were ruled by emperors who had absolute power over the empire
Justinian was the most famous Byzantine Emperor
About 50 years after the fall of Rome, Byzantine Emperor Justinian came to power & began reconquering Roman territories
To oversee his new empire, Justinian ordered legal experts to consolidate old Roman laws into a single law code
The Justinian Code served as the legal basis for criminal justice, marriage, property, slavery, & women’s rights
The law code became one of the most important legacies of the Byzantine Empire & served as the basis for laws for the next 900 years
In addition to expanding the empire & creating a uniform set of laws, Emperor Justinian also began large building projects
He ordered the construction of the Hagia Sophia to show the importance of the church
He built hospitals, aqueducts, public baths, schools, & courts
Justinian’s wife Theodora had a lot of power & influence in the Byzantine Empire:
She met with & wrote to foreign leaders
She advised Justinian & helped him pass laws
She encouraged building of Christian cathedrals