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Ultimately the Byzantine Empire was destroyed by the Ottoman Turks in 1453 because of GUNPOWDER. Their cannons destroyed the powerful city walls of Constantinople.

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He blinds and gouges out the eyes of all his enemies. Do all of these emperors seem incredibly impulsive?

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Today Constantinople is called Istanbul. It is a major city in Turkey.  The interesting thing about it is that it is located in Europe but simply crossing a short bridge and you will be in Asia. If you ever get the chance to visit the city, you can be in 2 continents in the same day.

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The Hagia Sophia was the largest church in the world before the construction of St Peters Basilica in Rome. Today it is not even a church.

Any guesses as to what it is today?

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Justinian killed 30,000 in a matter of an hour.  30,000 is larger than the capacity of the United Center

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Justinian and all of his advisors/generals were ready to leave and his wife was the real strength who convinced him to stay

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She was not a “burlesque” dancer.  She was a prostitute.  Despite what this guy said.  She actually slept with most of his generals, advisors, and court before she married Justinian. So that is how she learned so much about politics.

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Justinian is the MOST IMPORTANT Byzantine emperor

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Are the walls still up today ?

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City walls used to be very common. They kept out possible invaders. London, Constantinople, Paris, Rome, Jerusalem they all had city walls. But only 2 cities in North America have city walls still: Quebec and St Augustine Florida

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Triple Line of defense for what? Why so cautious?

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So Theodosius built these walls to keep the Huns out.  Do you think he made the Huns pay for the wall too???

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Original Santa Claus is St Nicholas who was a bishop in 4th century Europe

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The Huns were the most feared group in ancient Europe. They ultimately settled in Central Europe.  The place they settled is today called Hungary.

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Half a million people is the size of Detroit

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Remember that they are creating these aqueducts without computers or power tools.

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400 miles is the same distance from Lombard to Minneapolis, Minnesota. OR roughly the same distance from Lombard to Hudson Wisconsin where football plays Week 1 next fall.

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The Byzantine Emperors used religion to their advantage. Do you think that political leaders should serve as religious leaders?

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How could the city be surrounded by water, but water isn’t available?

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First Roman emperor to convert to Christianity

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Where have we learned about Constantine before?

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Peter Weller played RoboCop in the original 80s movies

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F

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How did the Byzantine people know hot to build the aqueducts?