Byzantine+outline

__The Byzantine Empire __ ​ I. **Geographical position of the Empire most likely helped it grow and flourish more fluently and quickly.** A. The Byzantine Empire was located near the Mediterranean Sea, where it started to flourish B. The Empire interacted with the environment much, especially landforms to find their way and use for cover. C. The Empire had moving territory boundaries constantly because of warring and fighting with other civilizations. D. The spot of the Empire influenced the culture of the Byzantines because it was bordered by many countries, meaning it could adapt to new ways quickly.

A. The main rulers in the Byzantine Empire were the emperor and empress; they made all of the laws, and appointed other government officials. B. Government was based around two groups of people: the Blues and the Greens; they were the political parties that had impact on how laws were formed. C. The only known laws in the Byzantine Empire comes from the code of Justinian; this code was adapted and added onto. D. Social classes were very specific and very separated; there was aristocracy, the middle class, city poor, and country poor.
 * II. The Byzantine political system was also loosely based around religion; most power was rooted in the church, and power was very hard to get.**

III. **The military of the Empire was called a “Religious Military” because it fought only for religious causes. Despite that, it was a strong, powerful, and massive army.** A. The armies in Byzantine fought on all different sides of the empire, from the Black Sea to Egypt. B. The soldiers of the Byzantine Empire had an arsenal of weapons to choose from when going into battle. C. The Byzantines Empires decline was because of heavy attacks on all sides of the Empire.

A. Justinian I put in place the first code of laws so he could rule his people justly, but he was greedy and that resulted in his death and the decline of the Byzantine Empire. B. One of the most significant military leaders in Byzantine was Belisarius, he ordered many conquests and extended the boundaries of the Byzantine Empire. C. The Empress Theodora was the wife of Justinian and is known for having helped him make many significant decisions in the Byzantine Empire. D. Heraclius took the throne after Justinian left Byzantium in ruins; he restored boundaries and replenished the treasury.
 * IV. The Byzantine Empire had an abundance of strong historical figures in military, and politics** **who shaped the size, and influence of the entire empire.**

A. Religion was at the root of Byzantine daily life and occupations; there extreme beliefs led to much debate and hierarchy. B. Education was not open to everyone; the people who were schooled were taught classic religion in the Byzantine Empire. C. Bold new ideas were seen in Byzantine architecture; the Byzantines were known for developing a new dome structure. D. Contributions from Byzantine art are mostly the use of lavish mosaics; most often used to depict bible scenes. E. Entertainment for the people of the Byzantine society came from the Hippodromes which were chariot racing stadiums that were free for everyone. F. The people in the empire usually had moderately basic daily lives, and they were centered on worship.
 * V. The life of people in the Byzantine society revolved around religion; many other elements of their culture such as art, architecture, and education reflect that. **