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Byzantine and Russia

Explore the enduring contributions of the Byzantine Empire, from Justinian's code to Constantinople's influence, contrasted with the tumultuous history of Russia, from Viking origins to Mongol invasions and the rise of the czars.

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Byzantine and Russia

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  1. Byzantine and Russia

  2. Byzantine Empire • 4th C. Western & Eastern Roman separated • Germanic tribes conquered West (Rome) but the East (Byzantine) remained intact 1000 years • Constantinople – major city • Justinian – Emperor of Eastern Empire; • Important contribution – Justinian code – The Body of Civil Law; codification of Roman law became foundation of the East; in Latin

  3. Characteristics of Byzantium • Latin is slowly replaced by Greek; preserved Greek (classical) culture • Codified laws (Justinian) • Christian state – magnificent churches built (combined Greco-Roman & Persian), mosaics • Emperor controlled church and state (theocracy)

  4. Constantinople • Largest city in Europe during Middle Ages • Center of great commerce (silk from China, spices from Asia, jewelry and ivory from India, wheat from Russia) • Silkworms smuggled into Byzantium from China to begin silk industry • Immense palaces, the Hippodrome (arena) • Justinian puts down “Nika Revolt” – see article; wife Theodora • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ei7UKrNDI4Q • Great public works, baths, schools, reservoirs, etc.

  5. Problems in the empire • Too much land to protect • Autocratic govt. – absolute power, lavish court • Empty treasury due to spending • Declining population due to plague • Renewed threats on the borders – Persians (east), Slavs (north), Arab world (Islam)

  6. Problems • Growing split between Catholic Church of the West and Eastern Orthodox of Byzantine (didn’t accept Pope’s claim that he was head of the church) • Pope Leo IX – Schism (split) the Church • Byzantine lasts until 1453 when Ottoman Turks take over

  7. Church Splits 1054 • Catholic – Rome • Pope • Latin • Priests can’t marry • No divorce • No icons • Orthodox – Constantinople • Patriarch • Greek • Priests can marry • Divorce allowed • Icons

  8. Contributions • Preserved Greek culture/learning • Adopted Roman ideas of law • Preserved Christianity (Orthodox) • Great center of wealth and trade • Art, philosophy, science, literature, education • Theatres, palaces, reservoirs (engineering & architecture)

  9. Russia • Early Russians were likely Viking group (Rus) who settled and united Slavic groups; blended over time • Vladimir – Christian, strengthens Kiev • Kiev – main city; becomes Orthodox • Yaroslav – Vlad’s son; legal code; first library, Christianity prospered

  10. Russia • After death, declines – divided kingdom among sons • Further weakened by Crusades • Invasions by Mongols (Genghis Khan); destroyed Kiev and controlled Russia

  11. Russia • Mongols – brutal invaders; Genghis Khan • Demanded obedience and tribute • Allowed them to keep religion, customs, etc. • Khanate – Kingdom • Ivan III – Ended Mongol rule – standoff • Took title “czar” • Cyrillic language develops

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