Comparing Roman and Byzantine Empires | AP US History | Khan Academy

Summary

This video dives into the transformation from the Roman Empire to the Byzantine Empire, examining key elements of continuity and change. It explores the shift in the center of power from Rome to Constantinople, the gradual shift from Latin to Greek, the rise of Christianity as the dominant religion, and the evolution of Roman law under Byzantine influence. The video also highlights the cultural traditions carried over from Rome, such as chariot racing, while addressing how the Byzantine Empire adapted to its changing political and religious landscape. Ultimately, it provides a deeper understanding of how the Byzantine Empire continued the legacy of Rome while undergoing significant transformations.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Byzantine Empire was the continuation of the Roman Empire, particularly after the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 CE.
• 😀 The Byzantines considered themselves Romans and did not identify as 'Byzantine' until much later in history.
• 😀 Constantine's decision to move the Roman capital to Byzantium, later named Constantinople, marks the start of the Byzantine Empire.
• 😀 The Byzantine Empire's official beginning is often linked to Constantine's rule, but it was also the Eastern Roman Empire after the fall of the West.
• 😀 Language transitioned from Latin to Greek, with Greek becoming the official language under Emperor Heraclius in the 7th century.
• 😀 Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire under Constantine, and the Byzantine Empire remained Christian throughout its history.
• 😀 The Byzantine Empire's legal system continued Roman law, with notable revisions like Justinian's Code, which became more Christian-influenced over time.
• 😀 Governance in the Byzantine Empire was initially based on the Roman model but evolved into a more feudal system under Heraclius.
• 😀 While some Roman cultural traditions persisted in the Byzantine Empire, others, like the Olympics, were abandoned due to Christian influence.
• 😀 The Byzantine Empire faced external threats, including the rise of Islam, the Fourth Crusade, and eventually the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans in 1453.

Q & A

What was the main reason for the fall of the Western Roman Empire?

The fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 was due to various factors, including internal decay, invasions by Germanic tribes, and political instability. The Western Roman Empire fragmented into several smaller kingdoms, while the Eastern Roman Empire continued.

How did Constantine contribute to the creation of the Byzantine Empire?

Constantine's key contribution was moving the capital of the Roman Empire from Rome to Byzantium, renaming it Constantinople. This shift marked the beginnings of what later came to be known as the Byzantine Empire, though Constantine considered himself ruler of both the East and West.

Why did the Byzantine Empire continue to call itself the Roman Empire?

The Byzantine Empire considered itself the continuation of the Roman Empire. The people of the Byzantine Empire referred to themselves as Romans and their empire as the Roman Empire, even after the fall of the Western Roman Empire.

When did the Byzantine Empire officially begin to use Greek as its primary language?

Greek gradually became the dominant language in the Byzantine Empire, and in the 7th century, under Emperor Heraclius, Greek was made the official language, replacing Latin in many aspects of governance and law.

What role did Christianity play in the Byzantine Empire?

Christianity was crucial to the Byzantine Empire, beginning with Constantine's legalization of the religion. It became more central over time, with Theodosius I making Christianity the official state religion. The Byzantine Empire also experienced the East-West Schism in 1054, which marked the division between the Latin and Greek Christian churches.

What were the main legal reforms introduced by the Byzantine Empire?

The Byzantine Empire continued Roman legal traditions, with Emperor Justinian's Code being the most significant reform. This code aimed to simplify and clarify Roman law, and later revisions were written in Greek and had Christian influences.

How did the Byzantine Empire’s governance system evolve over time?

Initially, the Byzantine Empire inherited the Roman governance structure, which included provinces and dioceses. However, under Emperor Heraclius in the 7th century, the governance system became more feudal in nature, granting land to local rulers in exchange for military service and resources.

What cultural traditions did the Byzantine Empire continue from the Roman Empire?

The Byzantine Empire continued several Roman cultural traditions, such as chariot racing, imperial birthdays, and other imperial celebrations. However, some practices, like the Olympics, were eliminated, particularly after Theodosius I banned them for religious reasons.

How did the Byzantine Empire respond to external threats over time?

The Byzantine Empire faced numerous external threats, including the spread of Islam, invasions by Muslim Turks, and the Fourth Crusade, which weakened its position. The empire continued to shrink over time, with the final blow being the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

What was the significance of the fall of Constantinople in 1453?

The fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the Ottomans marked the official end of the Byzantine Empire. It also signaled the fall of the Eastern Roman Empire, which had lasted for almost a thousand years after the Western Roman Empire collapsed.