Global Interactions & The Middle Ages · Term 1

The Byzantine Empire: Eastern Roman Legacy

Examining the preservation of Roman law and Greek culture in Constantinople and its unique identity.

About This Topic

The Byzantine Empire serves as the vital bridge between the ancient and medieval worlds. While the Western Roman Empire collapsed, the East thrived for another millennium, preserving Greek philosophy and Roman law in the cosmopolitan capital of Constantinople. In the Ontario curriculum, students explore how the city's strategic location between Europe and Asia made it a hub for trade and a bulwark against invasions. They analyze the reign of Justinian I, focusing on his ambitious legal reforms (the Justinian Code) and his architectural legacy, such as the Hagia Sophia.

Students also investigate the religious and political tensions that led to the Great Schism of 1054, which permanently divided Western and Eastern Christianity. This topic highlights the concept of 'Historical Significance' by showing how Byzantine scholars eventually fueled the Italian Renaissance. Students grasp these complex geopolitical and religious shifts faster through structured discussion and peer explanation of the empire's unique identity.

Active Learning Ideas

Inquiry Circle: The Justinian Code

Groups are given modern legal scenarios and must find 'solutions' using excerpts from the Justinian Code. They then compare these to modern Canadian laws to see the enduring influence of Roman legal principles.

⏱ 45 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Simulation Game: The Siege of Constantinople

Students map the city's defenses (Theodosian Walls, the Golden Horn chain) and must strategize how to defend it against various historical threats. This emphasizes the role of geography in the empire's longevity.

⏱ 40 min·Small Groups

Generate mission

Think-Pair-Share: The Great Schism

Pairs are given the perspectives of the Pope in Rome and the Patriarch in Constantinople. They must identify the three biggest points of contention (e.g., icons, authority) and explain why they couldn't reach a compromise.

⏱ 25 min·Pairs

Generate mission

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The Byzantines thought of themselves as a 'new' or 'different' empire.

What to Teach Instead

They called themselves 'Romans' until the very end. A 'Primary Source' analysis of Byzantine letters helps students see that the 'Byzantine' label was actually applied by later historians.

Common Misconception

The Middle Ages were a 'Dark Age' of no learning or progress.

What to Teach Instead

While Western Europe struggled, Byzantium was a center of high science, art, and law. A 'Global Comparison' activity helps students see that 'darkness' is a matter of geographic perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Byzantine Empire included in the Ontario Grade 11 'Expanding Contacts' unit?

Byzantium was the ultimate 'crossroads.' It connected the Silk Road to Europe and acted as a filter for ideas, technology, and religion between the Islamic world and the emerging kingdoms of the West.

How can active learning help students understand the Justinian Code?

By applying the Code to 'real-life' classroom disputes or hypothetical legal cases, students move from memorizing facts to understanding the logic of civil law. This active application makes the legal concepts much more memorable.

What was the significance of the Hagia Sophia?

It was a political statement as much as a religious one. It demonstrated the wealth and engineering power of the Empire, intended to awe foreign visitors and reinforce the Pharaoh-like status of the Emperor.

How did the fall of Constantinople in 1453 change the world?

It forced European explorers to find new sea routes to Asia, leading to the 'Age of Discovery.' It also sent Greek scholars fleeing to Italy, which jump-started the Renaissance.

Browse curriculum by country

• Americas
• US
• CA
• MX
• CL
• CO
• BR

• Europe
• UK
• IE
• FR
• DE
• ES
• IT
• NL
• PT
• SE

• Asia & Pacific
• IN
• SG
• AU