Module 11: Eastern Europe: Byzantium and Orthodox Europe

Elgin Marbles Two civilizations emerged in early medieval Europe: the Byzantine Empire in eastern Europe and the diverse cultures of western Europe. The Byzantine Empire was founded when the capital of the Roman Empire was transferred to Constantinople in 324 C.E.; it existed until the fifteenth century. While Byzantium transmitted the classical culture of Greek and Rome, it also developed a unique historical and cultural character that synthesized Greek, Roman, European, and Islamic elements.

Time Advisory

This unit will take you 6 hours to complete.

Section 11.1 The Byzantine Empire: 3.5 hours
Section 11.2 Byzantium’s Influence in Eastern Europe: 2 hours
Section 11.3 Module 11 Quiz: 0.5 hours

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this unit, the student will be able to:

Identify the cultural origins and main characteristics of the Byzantine Empire.
Describe the causes, main events, and consequences of the rise and fall of the Byzantine Empire.
Assess the political, social, and cultural legacies of the Byzantine Empire.

Section 11.1 The Byzantine Empire

Please watch Part I of this video lecture series by Professor Eugen Weber of UCLA (10 minutes) for an introduction to one of the world’s most enduring and influential empires—Byzantium.

The Byzantine Empire, Part 1 Links to an external site.
Please read the entirety of the lecture in order to get an overview of the Byzantine Empire.

Byzantine Civilization Links to an external site.

Please read this article in its entirety. Pay special attention to how the Byzantines developed a unique historical and cultural character based on a synthesis of Greek, Roman, and European elements.

The Byzantine Empire: Introduction Download The Byzantine Empire: Introduction

Please read “The Byzantine Empire: Introduction” for a concise sketch of the Byzantine Empire.

The Byzantine Empire: The Empire of New Rome Download The Byzantine Empire: The Empire of New Rome

Please read pages 159-164, which highlight Ibn Battuta’s visit to Constantinople.

Ibn Battuta's Travels in Asia and Africa 1324 - 1354 Download Ibn Battuta's Travels in Asia and Africa 1324 - 1354

Please read the entirety of this article to understand the importance of the city of Constantinople.

Byzantium: The Shining Fortress Introduction Links to an external site.

Please read the entirety of this article to understand the importance of the city of Constantinople.

The Byzantine Empire Links to an external site.

Question & Answer

Section 11.2 Byzantium’s Influence in Eastern Europe

Please read the entire article, which focuses on particular historical figures, in order to illustrate the impact of Byzantium on the Slavic and Rumanian peoples of Eastern Europe.

The Byzantine Impact on Eastern Europe Links to an external site.

Please read the entire article, which shows how the Byzantines, and later the Turks, introduced two forms of religion—Orthodox Christianity and Islam—to the Balkans.

The Balkans--Many Peoples, Many Problems Links to an external site.

Question & Answer

Section 11.3 Quiz

Please take the assigned quiz and submit for grading. This quiz pertains to Chapter 14 of the textbook World Civilizations: The Global Experience, published by Pearson Education.

Module 11 Quiz