WH Ch. 1 Lesson 2: The Byzantine Empire Quiz

Match the following

• Theodora

• Emperor who provided his nephew with an excellent education, adopted him, and made him his chief adviser

• Justinian
• General who strengthened the Byzantine army
• Belisarius
• Helped Byzantine women win more legal rights.
• Justin

• Arguably the greatest of the Byzantine emperors; served 527-565 C.E.
• Tribonian

• Legal scholar who worked to create a new code of laws, known as Justinian's Code

The Byzantine Empire reached the height of its power

• A. about 350 C.E.

• B. around 150 C.E.

• C. from 1000 to 1500 C.E.

• D. in the 500's C.E.

Answer explanation

The Byzantine Empire reached the height of its power in the 500's C.E. This period saw the empire's greatest territorial extent and cultural achievements under Emperor Justinian I. The other options refer to earlier or later periods that do not correspond to the peak of the empire's power.

The new capital of the Roman Empire was Constantinople, which was formerly the city of

• A. Alexandria.

• B. Byzantium.

• C. Carthage.

• D. Rome.

Answer explanation

The question asks about the former name of Constantinople, the new capital of the Roman Empire. The correct answer is Byzantium. This is because Constantinople was originally known as Byzantium before it was renamed by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. The other options, Alexandria, Carthage, and Rome, are incorrect as they refer to different cities in the Roman Empire.

When it was first established, the city of Constantinople

• A. resembled other cities in the Roman Empire.

• B. showed a great influence by Greek culture.

• C. was much like an Egyptian city.

• D. displayed many Persian influences.

Answer explanation

When Constantinople was first established, it resembled other cities in the Roman Empire because it was founded by Emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD as the new capital of the Roman Empire. The city's architecture, layout, and culture were heavily influenced by Roman traditions, making it similar to other Roman cities of the time.

Why was Constantinople a strategic choice for the Byzantine capital?

• A) It was rich in natural resources like gold and silver

• B) Constantinople was a center of art and culture

• C) It was in a location where many trade routes crossed, allowing control over trade, and was easy to defend against enemies

• D) The city had a large population and abundant agricultural land

Answer explanation

The strategic importance of Constantinople as the Byzantine capital lies in its geographical location. The city was situated at a crossroads of many trade routes, which allowed the Byzantines to control trade. Additionally, its location made it easy to defend against enemy attacks. This combination of factors made Constantinople an ideal choice for the capital.

What were the Walls of Constantinople?

• A) Ancient manuscripts containing Byzantine laws

• B) Monuments dedicated to Byzantine emperors

• C) Defensive fortifications protecting the Byzantine capital

• D) Elaborate palaces housing Byzantine royaltyWalls of Constantinople

Answer explanation

The Walls of Constantinople were a series of defensive fortifications that protected the Byzantine capital, Constantinople. These walls were built to safeguard the city from external threats and played a crucial role in the city's defense throughout its history. They were not ancient manuscripts, monuments, or palaces, but rather an essential part of the city's military infrastructure.

When Justinian became emperor, he realized that the empire’s laws were

• A. disorganized and confusing.

• B. not detailed enough.

• C. outdated.

• D. too limiting.

Answer explanation

When Justinian became emperor, he found the empire's laws to be disorganized and confusing. This means that the laws were not systematically arranged and were difficult to understand. Therefore, the correct answer is 'disorganized and confusing'.

What were mosaics?

• A) Large tapestries woven with intricate designs

• B) Patterns or pictures made from small pieces of colored glass or stone

• C) Elaborate sculptures depicting historical events

• D) Paintings created using oil-based pigments on canvas

Answer explanation

Mosaics are patterns or pictures made from small pieces of colored glass or stone. They are not large tapestries, sculptures, or oil-based paintings. The question asked about mosaics, and the correct answer aligns with the traditional definition of mosaics as art made from small, colored pieces.

The Byzantine military conquered territories once part of the Roman Empire that included

• A. Britain and Gaul.

• B. China and India.

• C. Egypt and Syria.

• D. Italy, Spain, and Northern Africa.

Answer explanation

The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, was the continuation of the Roman Empire in its eastern provinces. It managed to reconquer parts of the western half that had been lost. This included Italy, Spain, and Northern Africa, which were once part of the Roman Empire, thus making the correct answer 'Italy, Spain, and Northern Africa'.

How did the plague of the mid-500s impact the Byzantine Empire?

• A) It led to economic prosperity and population growth

• B) Many soldiers in Justinian's army died, causing a shortage of military forces

• C) The Byzantine Empire became more powerful and expanded its territory

• D) The plague had no significant effect on the Byzantine Empire's military strength

Answer explanation

The plague of the mid-500s had a significant impact on the Byzantine Empire, particularly on its military strength. Many soldiers in Justinian's army succumbed to the disease, leading to a severe shortage of military forces. This event greatly affected the empire's ability to defend itself and carry out military campaigns.