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Learn about the significance of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire, its location, the importance of the Justinian Law Code, and the preservation of Greek and Roman culture.
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Learning Objectives • The location and importance of Constantinople (Capitol of the Byzantine Empire) • The importance of Justinian Law Code • The preservation of Greek and Roman culture
Where was Constantinople? (Istanbul today)
Why might this location have been important? • Crossroads between East & West • Trade routes to India and China • Natural defenses
Setting the Stage: The Roman Empire Divided in 294 AD
Western Roman Empire Falls • Defeated by Germanic Tribes • Corrupt Government • Empire too large • Social issues – Christianity, slavery, ….
Constantine’s City--Constantinopolis Emperor of Rome Constantine I move the center of Rome from Rome Italy to Constantinople in 330 AD.
Constantinople • Founded in 330 by Constantine • Perfect location for new capital of Empire • Crossroads between East & West • Trade routes to India and China • Natural defenses
Justinian RULED 527-565 A.D. • Reformed Roman power • Build up Constantinople • Rebuilt the HagiaSophia • Absolute Ruler - Autocrat
Justinian’s Code • Corpus Juris Civilis (Body of Civil Law): • Recodification of Roman law • Social existence as defined by Roman law • Became the civil code of Byzantium
Laws about Justinian Code American Laws Women’s Rights Women’s Rights All women can own property, make contracts and will, and bring a lawsuit. All women can own property, make contracts and will, and bring a lawsuit. All women can own property, make contracts and will, and bring a lawsuit. All women can own property, make contracts and wills, bring a lawsuit. Women are guaranteed the same right as men. All women can own property, make contracts and wills, bring a lawsuit. Women are guaranteed the same right as men. All women can own property, make contracts and wills, bring a lawsuit. Women are guaranteed the same right as men. Robbery Robbery Robbery Robbery was not a crime. The victim could sue the robber for up to four times the values of the stolen property. Robbery was not a crime. The victim could sue the robber for up to four times the values of the stolen property. Robbery was not a crime. The victim could sue the robber for up to four times the values of the stolen property. Robbery is a crime and is punishable by a fine and/ or a prison sentence. Robbery is a crime and is punishable by a fine and/ or a prison sentence. Robbery is a crime and is punishable by a fine and/ or a prison sentence. Failure to pay debts People owed something had to the person owing them to gain debt back. People owed something had to the person owing them to gain debt back. People owed something had to the person owing them to gain debt back. People owed something had to the person owing them to gain debt back. People owed something had to the person owing them to gain debt back. People owed something had to the person owing them to gain debt back. Murder Murder is punished by a prison sentence or death. Murder is punished by a prison sentence or death. Murder is punished by a prison sentence or death. Inheritance Women could not inherit property from their husbands unless it was provided in a will. Children received equal amounts of the father’s estate. Women could not inherit property from their husbands unless it was provided in a will. Children received equal amounts of the father’s estate. Women could not inherit property from their husbands unless it was provided in a will. Children received equal amounts of the father’s estate. Standard law allows wives and children to divide an estate. Other directions can be provided for in a will. Standard law allows wives and children to divide an estate. Other directions can be provided for in a will. Standard law allows wives and children to divide an estate. Other directions can be provided for in a will. Murder was punished by banishment (cast out)
Empress Theodora • 1.Ambitious, powerful, intelligent • Tough politician • Fought for women’s rights
Byzantine Emperors • Absolute monarch Autocratic • Chosen by Divine Right “Christ’s Co-Leader” • Court ceremony patterned on role of Apostle
Religion Major influence upon Orthodox Christianity • spread Orthodox Christianity to Russian people Great Schism - 1054 • Split between Church in Rome and the Church in Constantinople • Political and doctrinal issues
Major difference: Greek Orthodoxy does not recognize Pope. ROMAN CATHOLICISM (in western Europe) Pope (Rome) Services in Latin Divorce not permitted Priests (can’t marry) Use of Icons permitted GREEK ORTHODOXY (in eastern Europe) Patriarch (Constantinople) Services in Greek Divorce permitted- under certain conditions Priests (can marry) Use of Icons not permitted
Economy Most advanced economy in Europe for many centuries • internationally preferred currency for 700 years • Constantinople one of the wealthiest cities in the world
Byzantine Art • Grew from art of Ancient Greece • Purpose - glorification of God, figures of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary, • Icon: Image used as an object of worship in Orthodox churches and private homes
Cyrillic Alphabet • Created alphabet to translate the Bible • Allowed a vast population of Slavs read the bible. • Converting many to Christianity
Byzantine Empire Empire lasted 1123 years • 330 – 1453 AD • Established Eastern Orthodox Church • Scholars record and preserve many valuable ancient Greek and Roman texts
External stresses in the 7th and 8th centuries: Muslims take Greater Syria, Egypt, N. Africa; besiege Constantinople twice (679-83 and 717-18).
Icons • Small religious picture used to help focus prayer. • Depict Jesus, Mary, Saints, Angels
Iconoclastic Controversy • Use of icons causes big debate. • Some people think idols are false gods. • Argument is one major reason for split in Church in 1054 AD.
Mosaics • Designs formed by inlaid pieces of stone, glass, enamel, etc. • Covered floors, walls, ceilings. • Usually religious in nature. • Figures appear stiff and artificial (not real) • Calm faces try to inspire reverence and renouncing earthly pleasures.
