Introduction
Students have read about Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. In this exercise, students will research the ancient city to learn about its history, architecture, and culture.

Lesson Description
Students will use information from The Travel Guide for Istanbul and Turkey Web site to learn about the ancient city of Constantinople. Students will browse "The Byzantine" topic to read about the city's history and its Byzantine art and architecture. Students will then answer four questions and apply this information by preparing an oral presentation on the people and culture of Constantinople.

Instruction Objectives

1. Students will analyze the development of the Byzantine Empire by reading about the history of its capital city, Constantinople, and they will consider the multicultural influences found in Byzantine art and architecture.
2. Students will be able to use this knowledge to present an oral report on the people and culture of Constantinople.

Student Web Activity Answers

1. The Roman Empire traditionally believed in many gods while the Byzantine Empire was established with the belief in one god. Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire, but its people used many languages among themselves. In the Byzantine Empire, the most common language became Greek.
2. The different people who lived in the Byzantine Empire influenced its art. They were Romans, Greeks, and Christians, and the people known today as Iranians, Egyptians, Syrians, Balkans, and North Africans.
3. The walls of the ancient city are still standing in Istanbul. Also evident are the remains of the Hippodrome. Monuments include the "Hooped Column," Kiztasi, and the monument in Sarayburnu. Churches, including the magnificent Hagia Sophia, are the most important example of Byzantine architecture in Istanbul.
4. They produced cotton, silk and linen textiles, rugs, minerals, jewelry, and glass.
5. Students' presentations will vary.

Go To Student Web Activity