The Reign of Justinian 1 & Theodora

The Reign of Justinian 1 & Theodora Learning Objectives: 1) Students will be able to list some of the major contributions of Justinian’s reign. 2)Students will be able to describe the rioting between the Blues and the Greens in Constantinople in 532 A.D.

Two of the greatest Byzantine leaders • Justinian I and his wife, Theodora. • Ruled from 527 to 565 A.D. • They both loved attending the chariot races at the Hippodrome.

Began as a sports riot between the two different chariot teams. Grew to a full-scale revolt that threatened Justinian’s throne. Justinian wanted to flee the city. But his wife,Theodora, convinced him to stay and fight. In the end Justinian wins, but the city is in ruins. Early problem: Riots in the Streets!The Blues vs. the Greens!

Despite a shaky start, Justinian soon begins to rebuild and becomes one of Byzantium’s most memorable rulers.

Question Check! What event forced Justinian to start re-building parts of Constantinople? • An accidental fire • A hurricane that destroyed the city • Riots by the “Blues” and the “Greens” • Invasion by the Vandals.

Question Check! What event forced Justinian to start re-building parts of Constantinople? C. Riots by the “Blues” and the “Greens”

Justinian built many bridges, public baths, roads, and hospitals to rebuild Constantinople after the riots. Write in your notes:Justinian’s Accomplishments

Justinian’s Accomplishments continued…. • Justinian built a great number of Orthodox churches. • The most famous of these was the Hagia Sophia, which meant, “Holy Wisdom.”

Hagia Sophia Today

Interesting Fact! • Over time, and after the Byzantines, many of the Christian churches (like on the left) were changed into Islamic mosques (like on the right). Notice the addition of minarets (towers). These mosques still stand today.

Question Check! What were some of the improvements made to Constantinople as a result of Justinian’s public works projects? • Hospitals, public baths, roads, churches • Electric lighting • Building of the hippodrome for chariot races.

Question Check! What were some of the improvements made to Constantinople as a result of Justinian’s public works projects? • Hospitals, public baths, roads, churches

Justinian’s Code A systematic body of law. Got rid of outdated, confusing laws from the old Roman Empire Extended women’s property rights Basis for many of our laws today. Justinian’s Accomplishments continued….

Military accomplishments Justinian temporarily reconquered Italy and parts of North Africa and Spain Later emperors lost all the land he re-gained. Justinian’s Accomplishments continued….

Question Check! How has Justinian’s Code affected the modern world? • It hasn’t affected us at all. • We base many of our laws on Justinian’s code. • We use it as an example of how criminals should be treated.

Question Check! How has Justinian’s Code affected the modern world? B. We base many of our laws on Justinian’s code.

Independent Practice (On your own) • Complete “The Byzantine Empire” Mr. Dowling Sheet.

The Reign of Justinian 1 & Theodora