Background to the Crusades: the Byzantine Empire
I can describe the position of Byzantium in the 11th century and the problems it faced.
Background to the Crusades: the Byzantine Empire
I can describe the position of Byzantium in the 11th century and the problems it faced.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Byzantium considered itself to be the successor to the Roman Empire.
- Byzantium was a Christian empire.
- The reign of Justinian I was a high point for the Byzantine Empire.
- By the 11th century, the Byzantine Empire had been weakened by a series of internal conflicts.
- By the 11th century, Byzantium was facing external threats from the Seljuk Turks.
Common misconception
Towns and cities are called by the same name as they were given when they were founded.
Towns and cities all over the world have changed their name repeatedly for a wide variety of reasons. For example, York was called Eboracum by the Romans, Eoforwick by the Saxons and Jorvik by the Vikings!
Keywords
Empire - an empire is a group of territories ruled over by one person or group of people
Idolatry - idolatry is the worship of images
Iconoclasm - iconoclasm is the destruction of holy images
Eastern Orthodox - Eastern Orthodox Christianity was the form of Christianity practised in the Byzantine Empire
Content guidance
- Contains subject matter which individuals may find upsetting.
- Contains conflict or violence.
Supervision
Adult supervision suggested.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
the worship of images
the destruction of holy images
the form of Christianity practised in the Byzantine Empire