Justinian and the Byzantine Empire | World History | Khan Academy

Khan Academy
12 Apr 201708:52
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TLDRThe video script discusses the division of the Roman Empire in the late 4th century, leading to the establishment of the Western and Eastern Roman Empires. The Western Roman Empire fell to Germanic tribes, who established various kingdoms across its former territories. The Eastern Roman Empire, later known as the Byzantine Empire, continued to thrive, particularly during the reign of Emperor Justinian. Justinian, with the support of Empress Theodora, managed to reclaim much of the lost territory and is renowned for the Code of Justinian, which influenced law for centuries. Despite initial successes, the Byzantine Empire faced a series of challenges, including plague, attacks from Germanic tribes, and the rise of Islam. The empire's decline continued until the fall of Constantinople to the Turks in 1453, marking the end of the Byzantine era.

Takeaways
  • 🏛️ The Roman Empire was officially split into Western and Eastern halves in the 5th century, with Constantinople as the Eastern capital.
  • 📉 The Western Roman Empire fell due to repeated attacks by Germanic tribes, who then established their own kingdoms in the former empire's territories.
  • 👑 The Eastern Roman Empire, later known as the Byzantine Empire, continued to exist and was governed from Constantinople.
  • 🔄 Emperor Justinian's reign marked a resurgence, with significant land reclamation from Germanic tribes, including the Italian peninsula and North Africa.
  • 🗣️ Empress Theodora played a crucial role during the Nika riots of 532, advocating against fleeing and supporting a brutal crackdown.
  • 🏗️ The Hagia Sophia was rebuilt under Justinian's rule after being destroyed during the riots, and it still stands today in Istanbul.
  • 📚 Justinian is renowned for the Code of Justinian, a comprehensive legal code that influenced the Byzantine Empire and modern legal systems.
  • 📉 Despite Justinian's efforts, the Byzantine Empire experienced a long-term decline, with significant challenges including plague and external conflicts.
  • 🦠 The 540s plague in the Byzantine Empire killed an estimated 40% of Constantinople's population, weakening the empire and making it more vulnerable to attacks.
  • 🤝 There was ongoing tension and conflict with the Sassanid Persians to the east, and later, the rise of Islam posed a significant threat to the empire.
  • 🕍 The fall of Constantinople to the Turks in 1453 marked the end of the Byzantine Empire, after which the city was renamed Istanbul.
Q & A

  • When did Emperor Theodosius split the Roman Empire?

    -Emperor Theodosius split the Roman Empire in the 390s, as we exit the fourth century.

  • Which city was established as the capital of the empire by Constantine in 324?

    -Constantinople, previously known as Byzantium, was established as the capital of the empire by Constantine in 324.

  • What is the significance of the fall of the Western Roman Empire?

    -The fall of the Western Roman Empire led to the rise of various Germanic kingdoms in its place, such as the Ostrogoths in Italy, the Vandals in North Africa, and the Visigoths in the Iberian peninsula.

  • What is the origin of the name 'France'?

    -The name 'France' comes from the notion of 'land of the Franks,' which refers to the Franks, one of the Germanic kingdoms that succeeded the Western Roman Empire.

  • How long did the Byzantine Empire last after the split from the Western Roman Empire?

    -The Byzantine Empire lasted for almost another 1,000 years after the split from the Western Roman Empire.

  • Who was the Emperor that came to power in 527 and is known for regaining much of the lost land?

    -Emperor Justinian came to power in 527 and is known for regaining much of the lost land that was previously under the control of the Germanic tribes.

  • What significant event occurred in Constantinople in 532?

    -In 532, there was significant rioting in Constantinople, which started around chariot racing and escalated into a full revolt against Justinian.

  • What famous quote is attributed to Empress Theodora during the revolt in Constantinople?

    -Empress Theodora's famous quote during the revolt was, 'The present occasion is too serious, to allow me to follow the convention, that a woman should not speak in a man's council.'

  • What was rebuilt under Justinian's rule that still exists today in Istanbul?

    -The Hagia Sophia was rebuilt under Justinian's rule and still exists today in Istanbul as a museum.

  • What is the Code of Justinian?

    -The Code of Justinian is a collection of laws that were better codified by legal experts under Justinian's reign. It had a significant influence on the Byzantine Empire for the next 900 years and even on some relatively modern schools of law.

  • What major event marked the end of the Byzantine Empire?

    -The end of the Byzantine Empire is marked by the fall of Constantinople to the Turks in 1453, after which it was renamed Istanbul.

  • What challenges did the Byzantine Empire face during and after Justinian's reign?

    -The Byzantine Empire faced challenges such as a significant plague starting in the 540s that killed roughly 40% of Constantinople's population, making it more susceptible to attacks. There was also constant tension and conflict with the Sassanid Persians, and later, the rise of Islam led to further invasions and decline.

Outlines
00:00
🏛️ The Split of the Roman Empire and Rise of Germanic Kingdoms

This paragraph discusses the historical context of the Roman Empire's division in the late 4th century, under Emperor Theodosius, leading to the establishment of the Western and Eastern Roman Empires. It highlights the fall of the Western Roman Empire due to repeated attacks by Germanic tribes, which subsequently established their own kingdoms in the territories previously under Roman control. The Eastern Roman Empire, later known as the Byzantine Empire with its capital at Constantinople, continued to exist and was governed separately. The paragraph also introduces Emperor Justinian's rise to power and his efforts to reclaim lost territories from the Germanic tribes.

05:02
👑 Empress Theodora's Influence and Justinian's Legal Legacy

The second paragraph delves into the challenges faced by Emperor Justinian, including a significant revolt in Constantinople in 532, which was quelled with great brutality. Empress Theodora played a pivotal role during this crisis, advocating against fleeing and encouraging a stand that would preserve their royal dignity, even at the risk of death. The paragraph also covers the reconstruction of the Hagia Sophia, which was destroyed during the uprising, and its eventual transformation into a mosque and then a museum. Furthermore, it discusses Justinian's legal reforms, known as the Code of Justinian, which had a profound impact on the Byzantine Empire and influenced modern legal systems. The narrative concludes with an overview of the empire's decline, marked by plague, conflict with the Sassanid Persians, and the rise of Islamic empires, culminating in the fall of Constantinople to the Turks in 1453.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Theodosius
Theodosius was the Roman Emperor who, in the late 4th century, split the Roman Empire into the Western and Eastern Roman Empires. This division was significant as it led to the eventual fall of the Western Roman Empire and the continued existence of the Eastern Roman Empire, which later became known as the Byzantine Empire. The script mentions Theodosius as a key figure in the historical transition of the Roman Empire.
💡Constantinople
Constantinople, originally known as Byzantium, was established as the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire by Emperor Constantine in 324. It later became the center of the Byzantine Empire after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The city's strategic location and political significance are highlighted in the script as it remained an important hub for centuries, until it was conquered by the Turks and renamed Istanbul.
💡Western Roman Empire
The Western Roman Empire refers to the western half of the Roman Empire, which fell to repeated attacks by Germanic tribes. Its fall marked the end of the ancient world and the beginning of the Middle Ages in Western Europe. The script discusses the fall of this empire and the subsequent rise of various Germanic kingdoms in its place.
💡Eastern Roman Empire
Also known as the Byzantine Empire, the Eastern Roman Empire continued after the fall of its western counterpart. It was governed separately and had its capital at Constantinople. The empire's longevity and cultural influence are emphasized in the script, with a particular focus on the reign of Emperor Justinian.
💡Germanic Tribes
Germanic tribes played a significant role in the fall of the Western Roman Empire through their repeated invasions. After the empire's collapse, these tribes established various kingdoms across the former empire's territories, such as the Ostrogoths, Vandals, Visigoths, Burgundians, and Franks. The script details how these tribes filled the power vacuum left by the fallen Western Roman Empire.
💡Odoacer
Odoacer was the leader of the Germanic tribes who established the first Germanic kingdom in Italy after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. His rule marked the beginning of a series of Germanic-led governments in the region. The script mentions Odoacer as a key figure in the transition of power in the Italian peninsula.
💡Ostrogothic Kingdom
The Ostrogothic Kingdom was a Germanic kingdom ruled by the Ostrogoths, an Eastern Germanic tribe. It was established in Italy after the fall of the Western Roman Empire and is highlighted in the script as an example of the new political entities that emerged from the empire's ruins.
💡Vandals
The Vandals were a Germanic tribe that established a kingdom in North Africa following the fall of the Western Roman Empire. Their kingdom is mentioned in the script as part of the broader narrative of the rise of Germanic tribes in the territories of the former Roman Empire.
💡Visigoths
The Visigoths, or the Western Goths, were another Germanic tribe that established a kingdom on the Iberian Peninsula after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. The script discusses their rule as part of the shift in power and governance in the former territories of the Western Roman Empire.
💡Franks
The Franks were a Germanic people whose kingdom eventually gave rise to the modern nation of France. The script notes that the name 'France' is derived from 'land of the Franks,' highlighting their significance in the post-Roman power structure in Europe.
💡Emperor Justinian
Emperor Justinian was a significant ruler of the Byzantine Empire, known for his efforts to regain lost territories and for the creation of the Code of Justinian, a comprehensive legal code that influenced law for centuries. His reign is considered a high point of the Byzantine Empire, as detailed in the script, despite the challenges he faced, including the Nika riots and the eventual decline that followed.
💡Code of Justinian
The Code of Justinian refers to a collection of laws and legal principles that were compiled under the direction of Emperor Justinian. The code aimed to organize, clarify, and standardize the laws of the Roman Empire. It is mentioned in the script as a significant achievement of Justinian's reign, with lasting influence on legal systems.
💡Hagia Sophia
The Hagia Sophia was the main church in Constantinople, which was burned during a major uprising in 532. It was later rebuilt under Justinian's rule and remains a significant historical and architectural landmark, now located in Istanbul. The script describes its destruction and reconstruction as a symbol of Justinian's efforts to restore and preserve the cultural and religious heritage of the Byzantine Empire.
💡Nika Riots
The Nika Riots were a series of violent civil disturbances in Constantinople in 532. They began as a conflict between chariot racing factions but escalated into a full-scale revolt against Emperor Justinian. The script highlights the riots as a critical moment in Justinian's reign, where Empress Theodora's speech played a pivotal role in convincing Justinian to stay and fight rather than flee.
💡Empress Theodora
Empress Theodora was the wife of Emperor Justinian and played a crucial role during the Nika Riots. Her speech, as mentioned in the script, persuaded Justinian to stay in the city and not flee, which ultimately led to the suppression of the riots. Her stance on maintaining royal dignity and her influence on Justinian's decision-making process is a key narrative element in the video.
Highlights

The Roman Empire was officially split into Western and Eastern Roman Empires in the 390s.

Constantinople, previously known as Byzantium, was established as the capital of the empire by Constantine in 324.

The fall of the Western Roman Empire led to the rise of various Germanic kingdoms, including the Ostrogoths, Vandals, Visigoths, Burgundians, and Franks.

The Eastern Roman Empire, later known as the Byzantine Empire, continued to exist and was governed from Constantinople.

Emperor Justinian came to power in 527 with the help of his uncle, Emperor Justin.

Justinian was able to regain much of the lost land from the Germanic tribes during his reign.

In 532, significant riots in Constantinople almost led to the overthrow of Justinian, but Empress Theodora's speech rallied them to stay.

Empress Theodora famously stated that she would rather die as an empress than live as a fugitive.

The uprising in 532 was brutally suppressed, resulting in the death of 30,000 people.

The main church, the Hagia Sophia, was burned during the uprising and later rebuilt under Justinian's rule.

The term 'France' originates from the land of the Franks, one of the Germanic kingdoms.

The Byzantine Empire's influence diminished over its 1,000-year existence, with a brief resurgence under Justinian.

Justinian is most famous for his attempt to codify a set of laws known as the Code of Justinian.

The Code of Justinian influenced the Byzantine Empire for 900 years and had an impact on modern legal systems.

A significant plague in the 540s killed approximately 40% of Constantinople's population, weakening the empire.

The Byzantine Empire faced constant conflict with the Sassanid Persians and later with the rise of Islamic empires.

The gradual decline of the Byzantine Empire continued with invasions from Turkish Muslim conquerors until 1453.

In 1453, Constantinople fell to the Turks, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire and was later renamed Istanbul.

Transcripts

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Roman EmpireTheodosiusConstantinopleByzantineJustinianGermanic TribesOstrogothsVandalsVisigothsBurgundiansFranksHagia SophiaLaw CodificationEmpress TheodoraIstanbulIslamic EmpiresTurkish Conquest