2. Second and third century:
Crisis of the Roman Empire
Because:
1) It was difficult to defend the borders of
the empire from the barbarians
2) It was difficult to trade due to lack of
security
3) Ruralisation: People left the cities and
went to the country, in search of security
and provisions.
Francesco Scudellari - Comenius 2
Assistant 2010/11
3. To facilitate the defense of the empire, the
emperor Theodosious in the year 395 divided
5 two:
the Roman Empire into
WESTERN EASTERN
ROMAN EMPIRE ROMAN EMPIRE
Capital: Capital:
Rome Costantinople
Francesco Scudellari - Comenius 3
Assistant 2010/11
4. But the Western Empire was soon invaded by the
Germanic (barbarians coming from the North)
Some names of barbarian populations:
Sueves, Vandals, Visigoths, Huns…….
Francesco Scudellari - Comenius 4
Assistant 2010/11
5. The Fall of the Western Roman Empire
Soon, the barbarians occupied most of the
Western Empire.
The Western Empire became divided into
several kingdoms: the Ostrogoth Kingdom,
the Visigoth Kingdom, the Vandal Kingdom… 5
Francesco Scudellari - Comenius
Assistant 2010/11
6. The Fall of the Western Roman Empire
It became impossible for the Romans to
control the situation.
The last Roman Emperor, Romulus
Augustus, abdicated under pressure of the
barbarian king Odoacer.
The Western Roman Empire finally fell in
the year….
The answer is….
The Western Roman Empire fell in the year 476
Francesco Scudellari - Comenius 6
Assistant 2010/11
7. The Eastern Roman (or Byzantine)
Empire
While the Western Empire fell, the Eastern
Roman Empire withstood (=resistir) the
barbarian invasion.
The Eastern Roman Empire changed its
name into Byzantine Empire.
The Byzantine Empire lasted until the …. century
The answer is….
The Byzantine Empire lasted until the fifteenth century
(precisely, until the year 1453)
Francesco Scudellari - Comenius 7
Assistant 2010/11
8. The Byzantine Empire
The period of greater splendour for the Byzantine
Empire was under the reign of the Emperor
Justinian
• 476. End
of the
Westen
Roman • 1453
Empire
• 527 • 1054
Fall of
Justinian Schism Constantinople
500 700 900 1100 1300 1500
Splendour Decline
Francesco Scudellari - Comenius 8
Assistant 2010/11
9. • During Justinian’s reign (527-565)
The Empire achieved its
greatest extension
The Empire dominated trade in
the Mediterranean Sea
The Justinian Code modernised the
Roman law
Costantinople was embellished with the
construction of St. Sophia’s Church
Francesco Scudellari - Comenius 9
Assistant 2010/11
10. • The city of Ravenna
The Italian city of Ravenna is situated
in the North of Italy.
Ravenna was a very important city
during the reign of Justinian
Ravenna had a very strategic position:
it was surrounded by swamps
(=marismas) and by the sea
During the reign of Justinian, Ravenna lived a
period of great splendour.
Many palaces and churches were built in Ravenna. They were
often decorated with mosaics
Francesco Scudellari - Comenius 10
Assistant 2010/11
11. • The city of Ravenna
Many of these palaces and churches still exist.
I know them rather well because Ravenna is my hometown !
They are all very sober outside…
But greatly decorated with mosaics inside!
Francesco Scudellari - Comenius 11
Assistant 2010/11
12. • The mosaics of Ravenna
I like them very much. Some of them are spectacular and very colorful:
Francesco Scudellari - Comenius 12
Assistant 2010/11
13. This is the beautiful St. Vitale’s Church in Ravenna:
Outside:
And inside:
Francesco Scudellari - Comenius 13
Assistant 2010/11
14. I hope you will visit my city someday!
Francesco Scudellari - Comenius THE END 14
Assistant 2010/11
