Rise and Fall of Ottoman-Turkish Empire

Solution Preview

The rise and fall of Empires is never an isolated incident unrelated to the ebb and flow of world history. The culture, economy, technology and military might of neighboring and even distant competing empires have a direct and indirect impact on one's own civilization. The Ottoman-Turkish Empire enjoyed their season on the global stage for a period of over 500 years. This season lasted roughly from 1300 to 1900.
For a good timeline of the Ottoman Empire see:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_the_Ottoman_Empire

The Roman Empire built upon the 500 years of the Roman Republic and dominated Europe from roughly 44 B.C. to around 300 A.D. At this point the Empire was politically divided between the Western and Eastern Empires for administrative purposes. The Western Empire was much weaker and more vulnerable to invasions from barbarian tribes from the Gauls to the Goths. The Eastern Empire was much richer and more stable. Following decades of barbarian invasions, internal conflict and civil war the Western Empire collapsed in 476.

The Eastern Roman Empire had been established in 395 by Theodosius I and centered on the city of Constantinople. Originally a Greek colony founded by a man named Byzas, Byzantium flourished on the European side of the Bosporus. This site was strategic as it linked the Black Sea with the Mediterranean and allowed the occupants to control and tax trade between the two bodies of water and between Asia and Europe. When the Western Roman Empire collapsed in 476 the Eastern Empire lived on. This was due to several factors. The Eastern Empire had fewer land borders to defend; its capital city was not as vulnerable as Rome had been, it was better administrated, had less internal conflict and infighting and was also much wealthier than any other civilization in the region. The Eastern Empire, known alternatively as the Byzantine Empire recognized Latin as its official language though Greek was the common language of the time. It served as one of five administrative centers of Christianity along with Rome, Antioch, Alexandria and Jerusalem.
http://www.history.com/topics/byzantine-empire
http://www.ccel.org/g/gibbon/decline/volume2/chap48.htm

The Byzantine Empire achieved its greatest power under Justinian I who reigned from 527 to 565. Justinian was able to reconquer much of the territory lost after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. He also built the world famous church the Hagia Sofia between the years of 532-537. Justinian also oversaw the codification and renewal of the Roman law code. This act helped provide a stable base for the upcoming Ottoman Empire that would serve as a foundation for a modern legal and political code. After Justinian's death, successive rulers were unable to maintain the military advances made during his lifetime. Additionally, military campaigns led by Justinian had indebted the ...