Justinian and the Byzantine Empire

Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Subject Area

Social Studies

Grade(s)

8

Overview

This is a video from Khan Academy which gives an overview of the Byzantine Empire under its greatest strength under Justinian and then eventual slow decline over the next 900 years. Code of Justinian, Hagia Sophia, Empress Theodora's role in putting down the Nika Riots. This video can be used to introduce a lesson on the Byzantine Empire and Emperor Justinian.  This video is 8 minutes 51 seconds in length.

Social Studies (2010) Grade(s): 8

SS10.8.9

Describe the rise of the Byzantine Empire, its institutions, and its legacy, including the influence of the Emperors Constantine and Justinian and the effect of the Byzantine Empire on art, religion, architecture, and law.

UP:SS10.8.9

Vocabulary

  • Byzantine Empire
  • Constantine
  • Justinian
  • Theodora
  • Eastern Orthodox Church
  • Justinian Law Code
  • Hagia Sophia
  • Christianity
  • Western Roman Catholic Church
  • Byzantine Church
  • icons
  • excommunicate
  • missionary

Knowledge

Students know:
  • The factors that led to the rise of the Byzantine Empire examples of Byzantine influences on art, culture, religion, architecture, and law.
  • The influence of major political leaders, including Emperors Constantine and Justinian
  • The factors leading to the establishment of the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Skills

Students are able to:
  • Understand textual evidence of primary and secondary sources.
  • Locate places on a map.
  • Identify the effects of religious beliefs and practices on societies.
  • Determine how governmental policies impact an empire. Analyze the long-term impact of specific aspects of a culture.

Understanding

Students understand that:
  • The Byzantine Empire influenced art, culture, religion, architecture, and law.

CR Resource Type

Audio/Video

Resource Provider

Khan Academy

License Type

Custom

Accessibility

Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
ALSDE LOGO