Byzantine Empire History Quiz

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| By KKelley
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Byzantine Empire History Quiz - Quiz


How well do you understand the history of the Byzantine Empire? This quiz provides you the valuable information regarding it. The Roman army conquered many territories encompassing the Mediterranean and Southwestern Europe's coastal regions. These territories were home to many cultural groups. The Eastern Mediterranean was more modern than the western, upon which Greek culture influenced many territories. This informative quiz walks you through the early history of the Byzantine Empire. All the best!


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Diocletian divided the Roman Empire because 

    • A.

      He wanted everyone to be Christians

    • B.

      He feared that the Empire was becoming too large to handle

    • C.

      He believed it would be easier to protect the Empire from invasion

    • D.

      He wanted to gain a new water way for trade

    Correct Answer
    B. He feared that the Empire was becoming too large to handle
    Explanation
    Diocletian divided the Roman Empire because he feared that the Empire was becoming too large to handle. By dividing the empire into two parts, Diocletian aimed to create a more manageable administrative structure. This division allowed for better governance and defense against external threats. It also helped to alleviate the strain on resources and allowed for more efficient administration of the empire.

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  • 2. 

    The Emperor Constantine changed the location of Rome's capital from 

    • A.

      Rome to Carthage

    • B.

      Rome to Greece

    • C.

      Rome to Constantinople

    • D.

      Constantinople to Byzantine

    Correct Answer
    C. Rome to Constantinople
    Explanation
    Emperor Constantine changed the location of Rome's capital from Rome to Constantinople. This decision was made in order to establish a new capital that was strategically located at the crossroads between Europe and Asia, providing better defense against external threats. Constantinople, with its favorable geographic position, also allowed for better control and administration of the vast Roman Empire. The move to Constantinople marked a significant shift in the power and influence of the Roman Empire, as it became the center of the Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire.

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  • 3. 

    The Barbarians were considered

    • A.

      The Franks

    • B.

      The Turks

    • C.

      The Vandals

    • D.

      Anyone not Roman

    Correct Answer
    D. Anyone not Roman
    Explanation
    The Barbarians were considered anyone not Roman because the term "Barbarian" was used by the Romans to refer to any foreigner or outsider who did not belong to their civilization. It was a general term used to describe various non-Roman tribes and groups, including the Franks, Turks, Vandals, and many others. The Romans viewed themselves as the superior and civilized society, while considering those outside their empire as uncivilized and barbaric. Thus, anyone who did not belong to the Roman civilization was labeled as a Barbarian.

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  • 4. 

    The Western Roman Empire, and its capital Rome, fell to the Barbarians before the Eastern Empire and its capital, Constantinople. 

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement is true because the Western Roman Empire did indeed fall to the Barbarians before the Eastern Empire and its capital, Constantinople. In 476 AD, the Western Roman Empire was overthrown by the Germanic chieftain Odoacer, marking the end of the Western Roman Empire. The Eastern Roman Empire, also known as the Byzantine Empire, continued to exist until 1453 AD when Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks. Therefore, the fall of the Western Roman Empire preceded the fall of the Eastern Empire.

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  • 5. 

    Justinian decided to unite the Roman Empire once again and was successful at getting key areas back under the Empire's control.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Justinian's decision to unite the Roman Empire and his success in regaining control over key areas indicates that the statement is true. Justinian, as the Byzantine Emperor, launched military campaigns to reclaim lost territories, including parts of Italy, North Africa, and Spain. His efforts resulted in the reconquest of significant territories, temporarily reestablishing the territorial integrity of the Roman Empire. Thus, the answer "True" accurately reflects Justinian's accomplishments in reuniting the Roman Empire.

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  • 6. 

    Justinian created the Justinian Code, which was?

    • A.

      A system of codes that governed the building of certain structures.

    • B.

      A series of laws regarding the dress code for women.

    • C.

      A series of laws that regulated many areas of Byzantine life.

    • D.

      A religious doctrine that told Christians how to live their life.

    Correct Answer
    C. A series of laws that regulated many areas of Byzantine life.
    Explanation
    The Justinian Code refers to a series of laws that regulated various aspects of Byzantine life. It was created by Justinian, the Byzantine Emperor, and aimed to consolidate and clarify the existing laws of the empire. The code covered a wide range of topics, including civil and criminal law, property rights, marriage and divorce, slavery, and even religious matters. It was a comprehensive legal system that influenced not only the Byzantine Empire but also had a significant impact on later legal codes in Europe.

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  • 7. 

    Who was the famous Byzantine emperor known for his codification of Roman laws and contributions to the Byzantine legal system?

    • A.

      Justinian I

    • B.

      Constantine the Great 

    • C.

      Theodosius I 

    • D.

      Augustus

    Correct Answer
    A. Justinian I
    Explanation
    Justinian I, also known as Justinian the Great, was a renowned Byzantine emperor who ruled from 527 to 565 CE. He is particularly known for his codification of Roman laws into the "Justinian Code" or "Corpus Juris Civilis," which became a fundamental legal foundation in both the Byzantine Empire and later Western legal systems. Justinian's legal reforms had a profound and lasting impact on Byzantine history and the broader development of law.

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  • 8. 

    The Hippodrome was?

    • A.

      A church built to honor Constantine

    • B.

      A museum

    • C.

      A place where gladiators fought

    • D.

      A building that housed events, such as shows and races

    Correct Answer
    D. A building that housed events, such as shows and races
    Explanation
    The Hippodrome was a building that housed events, such as shows and races. This was a large open-air stadium in ancient Greece and Rome, typically used for chariot racing and other public spectacles. It was a central gathering place for the community and hosted various forms of entertainment, including athletic competitions, theatrical performances, and social events. The Hippodrome played an essential role in the cultural and social life of the ancient world.

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  • 9. 

    The Hagia Sophia was originally a?

    • A.

      Mosque

    • B.

      Temple

    • C.

      Church

    • D.

      A playing arena

    Correct Answer
    C. Church
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Church because the Hagia Sophia was originally built as a Christian cathedral in the 6th century. It served as the primary church of the Byzantine Empire and was considered one of the greatest architectural marvels of its time. It was later converted into a mosque after the Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453.

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  • 10. 

    The Great Plague killed over -------------   people a day. 

    • A.

      19,000

    • B.

      29,000

    • C.

      10,000

    • D.

      5,000

    Correct Answer
    C. 10,000
    Explanation
    During the time of the Great Plague, it is estimated that around 10,000 people were dying each day. This deadly epidemic, also known as the Black Death, occurred in Europe during the 14th century and resulted in the deaths of millions of people. The disease was primarily spread by fleas that infested rats, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The high mortality rate of 10,000 people per day showcases the severity and rapid spread of the Great Plague.

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  • 11. 

    There are only three differences between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox church. 

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because there are more than three differences between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. Some of the key differences include the role of the Pope, the use of icons and statues in worship, the language used in liturgy, and the understanding of original sin. These differences have led to a historical and theological divide between the two churches, resulting in separate traditions and practices.

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  • 12. 

    The fall of Constantinople was the result of a siege. Who attacked the Byzantine Empire?

    • A.

      The Vandals

    • B.

      The Franks

    • C.

      The Turks

    • D.

      The Visogoths

    Correct Answer
    C. The Turks
    Explanation
    The correct answer is the Turks. The fall of Constantinople was indeed the result of a siege, and it was the Ottoman Turks who attacked the Byzantine Empire. The siege lasted from April 6 to May 29, 1453, and ultimately led to the capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire, marking the end of the Byzantine Empire.

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  • Current Version
  • Dec 22, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
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    Quiz Created by
    KKelley
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