Ancient historyLesson 1 of 1 in the course Empires of Faith

Late Antiquity: Byzantium, the Sasanians, and Imperial Change

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Late Antiquity was a period of transformation in the Mediterranean world, not simply a story of Rome’s decline. This lesson explores how Roman traditions continued while Christianity and new forms of government reshaped society.

Historians often describe Late Antiquity as the period from about 150 to 750 CE. During these centuries, the eastern Mediterranean became an increasingly important cultural center, Christianity grew in influence, and Roman governance changed. People experienced both continuity with the classical past and significant differences from earlier times.

All flashcards

What was the Code of Justinian?
A compilation that organized Roman laws and addressed inconsistencies among imperial edicts.
How should historians approach Procopius’s Secret History?
As evidence of a critical viewpoint, not as a neutral account.
Who was Belisarius?
A Byzantine general who campaigned against the Vandals, Ostrogoths, and Persians.
What characterized Zoroastrian teachings?
They emphasized good thoughts and deeds and a struggle between good and evil.
What is a proxy in imperial conflict?
A smaller state or people used as an indirect participant in a struggle.

Quiz questions

  1. What was a major purpose of Justinian’s legal projects?Answer: To organize and preserve Roman law while addressing inconsistencies in imperial edicts.
  2. How should historians interpret Procopius’s sharply critical Secret History?Answer: As evidence of a critical viewpoint rather than a neutral record.
  3. How did Sasanian rulers govern their centralized state?Answer: Local officials reported directly to the ruler, who was called King of Kings.
  4. What event did Khosrow II use to justify invading Byzantine territory in 602?Answer: The murder of the Byzantine emperor Maurice.
  5. What was one consequence of the long Byzantine–Sasanian wars?Answer: Both empires were weakened by sustained military effort and political upheaval.

Based on World History Volume 1, to 1500 by Ann Kordas, Ryan J. Lynch, Brooke Nelson, Julie Tatlock (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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