Canadian & World Studies · Grade 11 · 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.

• Ontario Curriculum Expectations
• ON: World History to the End of the Fifteenth Century - Grade 11
• ON: Expanding Contacts - Grade 11

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.

Key Questions

1. Analyze how the location of Constantinople contributed to its longevity and wealth.
2. Explain the significance of the Great Schism of 1054 for Christianity.
3. Evaluate the influence of the Justinian Code on modern legal systems.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the strategic advantages of Constantinople's geographic location in fostering trade and defense.
• Explain the theological and political factors that culminated in the Great Schism of 1054.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of the Justinian Code on the development of Western legal traditions.
• Compare and contrast the cultural contributions of the Byzantine Empire with those of Western Europe during the early Middle Ages.

Before You Start

The Roman Empire: Rise and Fall

Why: Understanding the context of the Western Roman Empire's collapse is essential for grasping the Byzantine Empire's role as its successor and preserver of Roman traditions.

Ancient Greek Philosophy and Culture

Why: Familiarity with Greek intellectual traditions provides a foundation for understanding how these were maintained and transmitted by the Byzantine Empire.

Key Vocabulary

Constantinople	The capital city of the Byzantine Empire, strategically located on the Bosporus Strait, serving as a center for trade, culture, and religion.
Justinian Code	A comprehensive compilation and codification of Roman law ordered by Emperor Justinian I, influencing legal systems for centuries.
Great Schism	The formal split between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church in 1054, driven by theological and political differences.
Hagia Sophia	A magnificent architectural achievement in Constantinople, originally a Christian basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum, symbolizing Byzantine architectural prowess.
Iconoclasm	A historical movement within the Byzantine Church that rejected religious images, leading to widespread destruction of art and religious objects.

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.

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

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

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

Real-World Connections

• Modern legal scholars and practicing lawyers still reference principles derived from the Justinian Code when examining the foundations of civil law systems in Europe and Latin America.
• The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, stands today as a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting millions of visitors who marvel at its architecture and historical significance, demonstrating the enduring legacy of Byzantine construction.
• The ongoing dialogue and occasional cooperation between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches reflect the historical divisions and eventual reconciliation efforts stemming from the Great Schism.

Assessment Ideas

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Imagine you are a merchant in the 12th century. How would the location of Constantinople benefit your trade routes and your personal safety?' Facilitate a class discussion where students use their knowledge of geography and trade to answer.

Quick Check

Provide students with a short, anonymous paragraph describing a legal principle. Ask them to identify whether it most closely aligns with a concept from the Justinian Code or a modern legal system, and to briefly explain their reasoning.

Exit Ticket

On an index card, have students write two sentences explaining why the Great Schism was significant for Christianity, and one sentence describing a cultural element preserved by the Byzantine Empire.

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.