Chapter 21, Student Web Activities, Human Heritage: A World History, Glencoe, 2001-03

Student Web Activity

Chapter 21: The Byzantine Empire
"Constantinople, the Capital of the Byzantine Empire"

Introduction
The Roman Empire of the East, known as the Byzantine Empire, lasted for nearly one thousand years. Its capital, Constantinople, was a wealthy trade center with a multicultural population. Art and architecture blended its diverse cultural influences to produce a specific style that is unmistakably Byzantine. Today, Constantinople is known as Istanbul, and the city retains its eclectic culture by combining ancient styles with modern Islamic influence. Research the ancient city of Constantinople and its culture by visiting The Travel Guide for Istanbul and Turkey Web site.

Destination Title: The Travel Guide for Istanbul and Turkey

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Directions
Start at The Travel Guide for Istanbul and Turkey Web site

Scroll down and click on "The Byzantine" topic.
Browse through the site, taking notes as you go.
Read through the information, and then answer the following questions.

1. When the Roman Empire evolved into the Byzantine Empire, what changed about the Empire's religion and language?

2. Name the ethnic influences of Byzantine art and architecture.

3. What Byzantine structures are still standing in Istanbul?

4. What did the people of the Byzantine Empire produce for trade with other civilizations?

5. Imagine you are a Persian trader who has just pulled into the port of Constantinople. Your captain has asked you to go into the city to find out about the people and what they have to trade. Prepare an oral report to present to the captain and crew (your teacher and the rest of your class) that describes the people, the city, and the culture of Constantinople.