Byzantine Empire and Eastern Roman Empire is part of World History. Below are notes on 9 sub-topics, followed by practice MCQs from State PSC and UPSC papers.

Justinian I (Reigned 527-565 CE)

Emperor of the Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire, based in Constantinople.

Codification of Law (Corpus Juris Civilis)

    • Justinian's most significant and lasting contribution, a comprehensive compilation and revision of Roman law.
    • Consisted of four main parts: 1.

Codex

Collection of imperial constitutions (laws). 2.

Digest (Pandects)

Summaries of writings from respected Roman jurists. 3.

Institutes

A legal textbook for students. 4.

Novellae

New laws enacted by Justinian after 534 CE.

    • Project led by the jurist Tribonian.
    • Significance: Formed the basis for civil law in many modern European legal systems.
  • Reconquests
    • Aimed to restore the former glory and territory of the Western Roman Empire.

Hagia Sophia (Church of Holy Wisdom)

    • Grand cathedral built in Constantinople (532-537 CE) following the Nika Riots.
    • Architects: Anthemius of Tralles and Isidore of Miletus.
    • An architectural masterpiece, famed for its massive dome and innovative engineering.
    • Served as the imperial church and a symbol of Byzantine power and Christian faith.

Transition from Roman to Byzantine Empire: Foundation and Early History

  • The term 'barbarian' is derived from the Greek word 'barbaros', meaning a non-Greek.
  • Romans used the term 'barbarian' for Germanic tribes, Gauls, and Huns.
  • Rome, Italy, is the riverside city located on the Tiber River.
  • Roman civilization developed on the bank of the Tiber River.
  • Rome is known as "The City of Seven Hills".
  • Colosseum is a famous site located in Rome.

3. Medieval Africa and the Americas

Practice MCQs: Byzantine Empire and Eastern Roman Empire

The Reign of Justinian I: Codification of Law (Corpus Juris Civilis), Reconquests, Hagia Sophia

  1. The greatest Contribution to eastern roman emperor Justinian was in the field of:

    Asked in: RPSC RAS Prelims 1995

    1. Law
    2. Architecture
    3. Science
    4. Litrature
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Law

    Emperor Justinian I (reigned 527–565 AD) is most renowned for his comprehensive codification and reform of Roman law.

Transition from Roman to Byzantine Empire: Foundation and Early History

  1. Which of the following statements about the usage of the term 'barbarian' is/are correct? 1. It is derived from the Greek word 'barbaros' which means a non-Greek. 2. Romans used the term for the Germanic tribes, the Gauls and the Huns. Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    Asked in: UPSC CDS 1 2018

    1. 1 only
    2. 2 only
    3. Both 1 and 2
    4. Neither 1 nor 2
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Both 1 and 2

    Statement 1 is correct: The term 'barbarian' is derived from the ancient Greek word 'barbaros', which was originally used to describe non-Greek speakers, implying their language sounded like meaningless babbling ("bar bar"). Statement 2 is correct: The Romans adopted the Greek term 'barbaros' (as 'barbarus') and applied it to peoples outside the Greco-Roman world and empire, including various tribes like the Germanic tribes, Gauls, and Huns.

  2. Name of the riverside city of the river 'Tiber' is

    Asked in: District Library and Information Officer(DLIO) 2018

    1. Rome, Italy
    2. New York, USA
    3. Moscow, Russia
    4. None of the above
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Rome, Italy

    The River Tiber is an Italian river that flows through the city of Rome, making Rome a prominent riverside city on the Tiber.

  3. Which civilization was developed on the bank of Tiber?

    Asked in: Field Investigator 2020

    1. Celtic
    2. Tiber
    3. Roman
    4. Sumerian
    Show answer

    Answer: C. Roman

    This question tests knowledge of ancient civilizations and their geographical locations. It specifically relates to the origins of one of the most influential ancient civilizations.

  4. Rome is known as

    Asked in: TRAINED GRADUATE TEACHER (TGT) 2018

    1. The City of Churches
    2. The City of Seven Hills
    3. The Windy City
    4. The City of Palaces
    Show answer

    Answer: B. The City of Seven Hills

    Rome's historical and geographical identity is strongly tied to its location on seven prominent hills.

  5. Colosseum is a famous site located at

    Asked in: misc 2014 general studies arithmetic 2014

    1. Rome
    2. Paris
    3. London
    4. Vatican City
    Show answer

    Answer: A. Rome