The Byzantine Empire

The Byzantine Empire Today’s Title: Right there^ Today’s EQ: Why did the Byzantine Empire survive while other parts of the Roman Empire did not?

Where did the Byzantine Empire come from? As we know, The Roman empire, divided in the late AD200’s, due to being weakened by internal and external forces. We studied in depth, the reasons why the Roman Empire fell. While the western half of the old Roman Empire was going through Dark Ages full of unrest and invaders, power shifted to the easternhalf of the Roman Empire which remained successful (but under a different name… the Byzantine Empire!). East lives on West falls

Geography: • The city of Constantinople, was surrounded by water on 3 sides. • Located on a strait connecting Black Sea and Mediterranean • From its central location, the city controlled key traderoutes that liked Europe and Asia. As we know, trade is key for an empire’s economy!

Still thought of themselves as the Roman Empire • Official language would switch from Latin to Greek • Very rich and wealthy empire By 330, the emperor Constantine, had built a new capital city in Constantinople on the site of the Greek city Byzantium. The Byzantine empire arose from this site. • His mission was to oversee the development of Christian faith within that empire (called it his divine right) • Later, he fought and defeated Licinus to become the only emperor of Rome • One of the first things he did when he became the sole emperor was to abandon Rome (located on the West) and build a new capital city- located on the East (Byzantium)

Constantine: Was important because he was the first Christian emperor and urged others to convert to Christianity as well! • After Constantine’s conversion to Christianity, he: • Made state funds go to churches • He made priests and other leaders exempt from certain public services • Enacted laws to restrict pagan worship and encourage people to convert to Christianity • Being a Christian became a big help if you wanted to move up the ranks of government • made Sunday a legal holiday • Included Christian holy days like Christmas and Easter on the official calendar • Allowed the use of violence against those Christian people and churches he considered unorthodox

At its height, the Byzantine empire covered an area from Rome through southeastern Europe and Asia Minor, down to Egypt and across North Africa. Capital: Constantinople

The Byzantine empire reached its peak under the emperor Justinian. Justinian took power in 527 AD and was a autocratic ruler, or single ruler with complete authority. • Not popular at start of his rule • High taxes • Cold, not very likeable

Government and Laws Emperor Justinian became known for his collection of ancient laws known as Justinian’s Code. This written set of laws became the basis for today’s international laws and helped improve and preserve Roman laws.

Architecture: In the area of architecture, Justinian blended Greek, Roman, Persian and Middle Eastern styles. The best known structure is the Church of Hagia Sophiawhose name means “Holy Wisdom” Inside Outside

Culture and Religion • Cultural Tradition from Greeks • Religion Based Culture • Christianity center of Byzantine art, education, and life • Byzantine Empire brings drastic Change for Christianity • Rome no longer important city to the Byzantine people and rulers • Lack of Contact between Pope in Rome, and the papacy in the East • Breakdown in authority over the church

Religion Continued • Religion in East controlled by ruling emperor and Patriarch ***Patriarch is a term for Lead Bishop in the East • Byzantine Emperors (government leaders) and Patriarchs often conflict with Pope (church leader) • For example: Pope claimed an Emperor had no religious authority to deal in issues of the Christian church • The emperor in response, claimed authority over religious decisions within his empire • Byzantines viewed Emperor as the decisive voice in Christian governance, and practice

The Great Schism • Issues continue between papacy in east and west over issues such as: • Pope’s authority over all matters of Christianity • Church’s right to tax the citizens of the Byzantine empire • Priest’s right to get married • Languages used in church services

The Great Schism • 1054 AD the Christian Church Splits • The patriarch and Pope excommunicate each other • Papacy in eastern Byzantine empire forms the Eastern Orthodox church • Pope and western Byzantine empire churches remain the Roman catholic church

Eastern Orthodox The two Churches Roman Catholic • Services Conducted in Latin • Pope has authority over all bishops • Pope has authority over all kings and emperors • Priests can not marry • Services Conducted in Greek • Patriarch and other bishops head the church • Emperor has authority over Patriarch • Priests can marry

Decline • The decline of the Byzantine empire came with the onset of invading armies. • The final blow came at the hands of the Ottoman empire in 1453. Other factors: • Black plague hit Empire during Emperor Justinian rein around 540 AD. This killed large percentage of population From the Start of the Empire it was under constant attack Over time Empire lost more and more territory

Song • Constantine (tune of Come on Eileen)

In the area of art, the Byzantine empire made great contributions. Icons were images of Jesus, the Virgin Mary and others. These icons were supposed the create the sense that the holy person was actually present.

Byzantine artists also developed Mosaics, pictures or designs formed by inlaid pieces of stone or other materials. Mosaics often displayed religious themes.

Think Boxes Why are empires similar, even if they are far apart (Think Roman, Mayan, Aztec, Byzantine, etc.) Why did the Byzantine Empire survive while other parts of the Roman Empire did not?

The Byzantine Empire