5. Strengths of the Empire Emperor + Government ruled the Empire Government officials were skilled, effecient and well paid Emperors created alliances through marriage with foreign powers. The Byzantines built a strong army, equiped with a chemical Weapons “ Greek fire “ East = richest part of the Roman Empire Constantinople was strategically located where Europe meets Asia

6. Constantinople was strategically located where Europe meets Asia Constantinople looked over the Bosporus Strait, this allowed the Byzantines to control the sea trade routes between Asia and Europe Goods from as far away as Scandinavia and China Imperial Taxes Income to pay soldiers, government officials and to build magnificent public buildings

11. The Christian Church MAJOR DISAGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE ROMAN CATHOLIC AND EASTERN ORTHODOX CHURCHES ROMAN CATHOLIC Western Part Eastern Orthodox Eastern part CLERGY No married priest allowed Married priest allowed ICONS Veneration accepted Veneration initially rejected, later accepted LEADERSHIPS Roman pope was supreme church authority Reject supremacy of Roman pope over local leaders TRINITY Accepted the view that the Holy Spirit combines both Father and Son Maintained supremacy of the Father in the Trinity

19. 3. Comparing and Contrasting Eastern Christian Church Western Chistian Church