The Byzantine Empire
Grade 7 · Social Studies · The Medieval World · Pennsylvania, USA
Lesson Summary
Explore the eastern half of the Roman Empire that survived and thrived for a thousand years.
Explanation
After the western Roman Empire fell in 476 CE, the eastern half continued as the Byzantine Empire with its capital in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul). The Byzantines preserved Greek and Roman knowledge, built stunning architecture like the Hagia Sophia, and developed their own form of Christianity (Eastern Orthodox). Emperor Justinian created a famous legal code that influenced law for centuries. The empire was a bridge between Europe and Asia, controlling important trade routes.
Practice Questions
Q1: What was the capital of the Byzantine Empire?
Answer: Constantinople, which is modern-day Istanbul, Turkey.
Q2: What was Justinian's Code and why was it important?
Answer: Justinian's Code was a collection and reorganization of Roman laws. It became the foundation for legal systems in many European countries.
Q3: How did the Byzantine Empire help preserve ancient knowledge?
Answer: Byzantine scholars kept Greek and Roman texts, literature, and learning alive, which later helped spark the Renaissance in Western Europe.
People Also Ask
What is The Byzantine Empire in Grade 7 Social Studies?+
The Byzantine Empire is a lesson in the The Medieval World chapter of Grade 7 Social Studies. It is part of the Pennsylvania, USA school curriculum and covers key concepts that students need to understand at this level.
What grade level covers The Byzantine Empire?+
The Byzantine Empire is taught in Grade 7 as part of the Social Studies curriculum in Pennsylvania, USA.
How can I help my child with The Medieval World in Social Studies?+
Start with the lesson summary and explanation on this page. Practice the questions provided, then use TutorTom for personalized, step-by-step help with The Medieval World topics.