Chapter 9 Flashcards
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the power of the Byzantine Empire and the spread of Orthodox Christianity long surpassed the global influence of Christian Western Europe
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The Byzantine Empire was shaped by the decline of the Roman Empire and the rise of the Arabs. The empire weathered many attacks and flourished for several centuries, playing a major role in Asian and European trade.
Hagia Sophia
New church constructed in Constantinople during the reign of Justinian
Belisarius
(c. 505-565) One of Justinian’s most important military commanders during period of reconquest of western Europe; commanded in north Africa and Italy
Greek fire
Byzantine weapon consisting of mixture of chemicals that ignited when exposed to water; utilized to drive back the Arab fleets that attacked Constantinople
Bulgaria
Slavic kingdom established in northern portions of Balkan peninsula; constant source of pressure on Byzantine Empire; defeated by Emperor Basil II in 1014
Icon
As icon is an artistic representation, usually of a religious figure
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Growing divisions opened up between the two main branches of Christianity. The impact of these divisions increased when the Byzantine Empire began to decline.
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Christian missionaries, new trade routes, and Byzantine military activity affected much of eastern Europe. Within this context, the Kievan Rus’ formed the core of Russian culture and politics.
Cyril
(827-869) Along with Methodius, missionary sent by Byzantine government to eastern Europe and the Balkans; converted southern Russia and Balkans to Orthodox Christianity; responsible for creation of written script for Slavic known as Cyrillic.
Methodius
(826-885) Along with Cyril, missionary sent by Byzantine government to eastern Europe and the Balkans; converted southern Russia and Balkans to Orthodox Christianity; responsible for the creation of written script for Slavic known as Cyrillic.
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Russia gradually emerged through its role in trade, growing political claims, and the decision to participate in Christianity.
Kiev
Trade city in southern Russia established by Scandinavian traders in 9th century; became focal point for kingdom of Russia that flourished to 12th century.
Rurik
Legendary Scandinavian, regarded as founder of the first kingdom of Russia in Kiev in 855 C.E.
Kievan Rus’
The predecessor to modern Russia, Kievan Rus’ was a medieval state which existed from the end of the 9th to the middle of the 13th century. Its territory spanned parts of modern Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia.
