BELLWORK: Block 2 How and why was Christianity able to spread throughout the Roman empire? “Early Christian Church”  page 187 Describe the role of the Pope. (Include how the Pope became head of the church) What is a monk? How are they different from nuns? List five aspects of a monk’s life that shows their devotion to the church. THINKER: Today we will begin our study of the Middle Ages. A major theme in this unit is religious conflict between Muslims and Christians. Even though the two religions had the same roots/background, why do you think they disliked one another?

Unit 2: The Middle Ages (Medieval Ages) The Early Christian Church: It’s impact on Rome and the Byzantine Empire

The Christian Church Make a prediction  How could the church abuse their power? Why did everyone follow them?

The Christian Church As Christianity spread, several factions developed. During the Middle Ages the Catholic Church dominated all of society. The pope became the strongest political leader in western Europe. To strengthen the Medieval Church, power was given to bishops, priests, monks and nuns. Their power was abused through taxes, teachings & fear.

Monks and Missionaries In 529, a Roman official named Benedict founded a monastery. Monks dedicated their lives to religious purity. Monasteries (and convents for nuns) provided schools, hospitals, shelter, agriculture & job training. Missionaries were financed by the church to spread and teach Catholicism.

The Byzantine Empire Split of the Christian Church: Catholicism vs. Eastern Orthodox Christianity

Background 476AD – Division of the Empire Western Territory – Roman Empire (Roman Catholic) Eastern Territory – Byzantine Empire (Eastern Orthodox Christianity) Germanic tribes invaded the Western part and created a new European civilization (= ROME FELL!) Meanwhile, the Eastern Roman Empire continued to exist and develop into a new empire. By the 6th century, the Byzantine Empire dominated Eastern Europe.

The Byzantine Empire Greek-speaking Eastern half of the former Roman Empire (Eastern Orthodox Christianity) During most of its existence, it was the most powerful economic, cultural, and military force in Europe. The capital city, Constantinople, was a key city for trade, spread of ideas, religion, culture, art, architecture, etc.

The Baptism of Constantine

Byzantine Church: Hagia Sophia To learn more about the Byzantine Empire and it’s impact on Christianity, read pages 194-197

Engineering an Empire: The Byzantines

The Inquisition Heresy: denial of church teachings To find and punish people who practiced heresy, the church set up the Inquisition. The Inquisition accused people and forced them to seek forgiveness; showed power of the church.

Fall of the Byzantine Empire Their military, political and religious strength threatened the Muslims (Turks) who ruled the Middle East  Crusades! During the Fourth Crusade, the Muslims took Constantinople and invaded the Byzantine Empire. Despite the efforts to re-establish the empire, the Turks progressively took control of Byzantine states during the 15th century, eventually leading to its decline.