Byzantine Empire Formative Assessment

1.

The Byzantine Empire was centered in

A.

Rome
B.

Constantinople
C.

Cyrene
D.

Antioch

Correct Answer
B. Constantinople

Explanation
The Byzantine Empire was centered in Constantinople because it served as the capital city of the empire. Constantinople, which is now known as Istanbul, was strategically located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, making it an ideal location for political, economic, and military purposes. It was also well-fortified, surrounded by water on three sides, which provided protection against invasions. Constantinople was a major cultural and economic hub, known for its impressive architecture, trade routes, and thriving Byzantine civilization.

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2.

Which event occurred in 1054 and created a separation between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church?

A.

Separation of Powers
B.

Protestant Reformation
C.

Great Schism
D.

Tetrachy

Correct Answer
C. Great Schism

Explanation
The Great Schism occurred in 1054 and created a separation between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. This event marked a significant split in Christianity, with the Western Church (Roman Catholic Church) and the Eastern Church (Eastern Orthodox Church) developing separate doctrines, practices, and leadership structures. The Great Schism was caused by a combination of theological, political, and cultural differences between the two branches of Christianity, ultimately leading to their formal separation.

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3.

This famous church is one big reason the Byzantine Empire is known for architectural achievements. What's the name of this building?

A.

The Hippodrome
B.

Parthenon
C.

Hagia Sophia
D.

The Caldera

Correct Answer
C. Hagia SopHia

Explanation
Hagia Sophia is a famous church that is known for its architectural achievements in the Byzantine Empire. It is a significant landmark that showcases the grandeur and innovation of Byzantine architecture. The building's unique design and intricate details have made it renowned worldwide.

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4.

Which of the following does NOT reflect achievements of Emperor Justinian?

A.

Codification of laws
B.

Trade and territorial expansion
C.

Creation of Cyrillic alphabet
D.

Building a magnificent church

Correct Answer
C. Creation of Cyrillic alpHabet

Explanation
The correct answer is "Creation of Cyrillic alphabet." Emperor Justinian was known for his achievements in codifying laws, expanding trade and territories, and building magnificent churches like the Hagia Sophia. However, the creation of the Cyrillic alphabet is not attributed to Emperor Justinian. The Cyrillic alphabet was developed later, in the 9th century, by the followers of Cyril and Methodius, who were Byzantine missionaries.

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5.

What language was used by the Orthodox Church in Byzantium?

A.

Latin
B.

Roman
C.

Greek
D.

Cyrillic

Correct Answer
C. Greek

Explanation
The Orthodox Church in Byzantium used Greek as its language. Byzantium was heavily influenced by Greek culture and language, and Greek was widely spoken and understood in the region. The liturgy, religious texts, and teachings of the Orthodox Church were all conducted in Greek. This language choice reflected the historical and cultural connection between Byzantium and the Greek-speaking world. Latin, Roman, and Cyrillic were not the primary languages used by the Orthodox Church in Byzantium.

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6.

All of the following are characteristics of the Western Church EXCEPT:

A.

It was centered in Constantinople.
B.

Latin was the dominant language.
C.

The Church had tremendous political power.
D.

Emperors accepted supreme authority of the the Pope over them.

Correct Answer
D. Emperors accepted supreme authority of the the Pope over them.

Explanation
The Western Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, was characterized by several factors. It was not centered in Constantinople, as that was the seat of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Latin was indeed the dominant language used by the Western Church for liturgy and communication. The Church did have tremendous political power, with its influence extending over various aspects of society. However, the emperors did not accept the supreme authority of the Pope over them. This was a point of contention between the Church and secular rulers, as they often sought to assert their own authority over religious matters.

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7.

Christianity in western Europe can best be classified as

A.

Greek Orthodox.
B.

Russian Christendom.
C.

Roman Catholic.
D.

Byzantine Christian.

Correct Answer
C. Roman Catholic.

Explanation
Christianity in western Europe can best be classified as Roman Catholic because during the medieval period, the Roman Catholic Church was the dominant religious institution in the region. The Roman Catholic Church had a strong presence in western European countries and played a significant role in shaping the social, political, and cultural aspects of the region. Additionally, the Roman Catholic Church was the main authority in matters of faith and had a hierarchical structure with the Pope as the supreme leader. This classification is supported by historical evidence and the influence of the Roman Catholic Church in western European societies.

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8.

Justinian's Code of Laws are important because

A.

It built on previous Roman laws and has led to the development of modern European law
B.

It made theft a petty crime instead of worthy of capital punishment
C.

It showed how closely Roman Catholicism was intertwined with the empire
D.

It proves how cruel and inhumane Justinian was to his people

Correct Answer
A. It built on previous Roman laws and has led to the development of modern European law

Explanation
Justinian's Code of Laws is important because it built on previous Roman laws and has led to the development of modern European law. This means that the code expanded and refined the existing legal framework established by the Romans, serving as a foundation for legal systems that are still in use today. By building upon the Roman laws, Justinian's Code contributed to the development of legal principles and concepts that have shaped modern European law.

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9.

In the Byzantine Empire, one important feature of life was the development of -

A.

Eastern Orthodox Christianity
B.

Social and political equality
C.

Islam
D.

Civil service examinations

Correct Answer
A. Eastern Orthodox Christianity

Explanation
During the Byzantine Empire, one significant aspect of life was the emergence and growth of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. This religion played a crucial role in shaping the empire's culture, politics, and social structure. It became the state religion and influenced the development of art, architecture, and education. Eastern Orthodox Christianity also provided a sense of unity and identity among the Byzantine people, as well as serving as a unifying force for the empire. Therefore, the correct answer is Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

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10.

The Byzantine Empire is most directly related culturally to

A.

The Persian Empire
B.

The Roman Empire
C.

The Sassanid Empire
D.

The Babylonian Empire

Correct Answer
B. The Roman Empire

Explanation
The Byzantine Empire is most directly related culturally to the Roman Empire because the Byzantine Empire was a continuation of the Eastern Roman Empire, which was the surviving half of the Roman Empire after its division in 395 AD. The Byzantine Empire inherited many aspects of Roman culture, including the use of Latin as an administrative language, Roman law, and the Christian religion. Additionally, the Byzantine Empire preserved and advanced Roman art, architecture, and literature, incorporating elements from Greek and Eastern traditions. The influence of the Roman Empire on the Byzantine Empire is evident in its political structure, institutions, and cultural practices.

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