Constantine
![Picture](/uploads/1/5/3/7/15379714/8940661.jpg?0)
When Constantine first chose the old Greek city
of Byzantium as the place for his new capital,
he was aware of its advantages. Trade, and the
great centers of trade lay to the east. Byzantium
was on the waterway between the Black and Aegean
seas.
of Byzantium as the place for his new capital,
he was aware of its advantages. Trade, and the
great centers of trade lay to the east. Byzantium
was on the waterway between the Black and Aegean
seas.
Justinian
![Picture](/uploads/1/5/3/7/15379714/5093634.jpg?0)
After Constantine died, his son ruled the empire. In 527,
a Macedonian named Justinian came to the throne. He was
a strong ruler who came to be considered the greatest
Byzantine emperor. Justinian had served in the army and
was a good general. He was well trained in law, music, and
architecture.The people that served him were chosen for
their abilities rather than wealth or social positions. Justinian
served in the army and navy, made the laws, headed the
church and the government, and was supreme judge.He
could declare war or make peace.The Church taught that the
emperor’s acts were inspired by God.
a Macedonian named Justinian came to the throne. He was
a strong ruler who came to be considered the greatest
Byzantine emperor. Justinian had served in the army and
was a good general. He was well trained in law, music, and
architecture.The people that served him were chosen for
their abilities rather than wealth or social positions. Justinian
served in the army and navy, made the laws, headed the
church and the government, and was supreme judge.He
could declare war or make peace.The Church taught that the
emperor’s acts were inspired by God.
Theodora
![Picture](/uploads/1/5/3/7/15379714/2123464.jpg?0)
After Constantine died, his sons ruled the empire. In 527,
a Macedonian named Justinian came to the throne. He was
a strong ruler who came to be considered the greatest
Byzantine emperor. Justinian had served in the army and was
a good general. He was well trained in law, music, and architecture.
The people that served him were chosen for their abilities rather than
wealth or social positions. Justinian served in the army and navy,
made the laws, headed the Church and the government, and was
supreme judge.He could declare war or make peace.The Church taught
that the emperor’s acts were inspired by God.
In 532 Theodora made her first important contribution. A group of senators had organized a revolt to protest high taxes. The leaders of the revolt were prepared to crown a new emperor. Justinian’s advisers urged him to leave the city. Theodora, however, urge him to stay and fight. Justinian and his supporters took Theodora’s advice.They stayed in Constantinople, trapped the rebels, killed 300,000 of them, and crushed the uprising. As a result Justinian kept control of the government and became an even stronger ruler
a Macedonian named Justinian came to the throne. He was
a strong ruler who came to be considered the greatest
Byzantine emperor. Justinian had served in the army and was
a good general. He was well trained in law, music, and architecture.
The people that served him were chosen for their abilities rather than
wealth or social positions. Justinian served in the army and navy,
made the laws, headed the Church and the government, and was
supreme judge.He could declare war or make peace.The Church taught
that the emperor’s acts were inspired by God.
In 532 Theodora made her first important contribution. A group of senators had organized a revolt to protest high taxes. The leaders of the revolt were prepared to crown a new emperor. Justinian’s advisers urged him to leave the city. Theodora, however, urge him to stay and fight. Justinian and his supporters took Theodora’s advice.They stayed in Constantinople, trapped the rebels, killed 300,000 of them, and crushed the uprising. As a result Justinian kept control of the government and became an even stronger ruler