Byzantine Empire & Rise of Islam CHAPTER 6

Byzantine Empire 330 AD Emperor Constantine dedicates new capital of Rome – Constantinople (“New Rome”) Meeting place between East & West; linking land and sea trade routes – commercial center Political & religious center Took the name from the Greek city of Byzantium

Emperor Justinian Great period of Byzantine Empire is during emperor Justinian (527-565) Greatly helped by his wife Theodora Nikka Revolt: turning point in Justinian’s reign; he crushes the revolt and firmly establishes his rule over empire Wanted restore the greatness of the Roman Empire

Justinian Code - Law Most important achievement – preservation of Roman Law Reorganized the law from Ancient Rome and clarified them; this became the “Justinian Code” Also “Golden Age” of Byzantine culture – to construct churches, buildings, roads “Haga Sophia” (meaning Holy Wisdom)

Split of East & West Church Bishop of Rome (later the pope) is the most important religious leader in the West Patriarch of Constantinople holds the position for the East After Constantine, East & West Church become rivals

Split of East & West Church Differ over issues like when to celebrate Easter, whether priests should marry, and whether to use icons (painted images of Christ and saints) which some thought idolatrous Church of East emerged as state church

Empire Under Siege Byzantine was threatened by the Arab Muslims Constantinople defended Arabs using a new weapon called “Greek fire” – explosive mixture of oil, sulphur, saltpeter Military success under Basil II (976-1025) known as “Bulgar Slayer” because he crushed the Bulgars in the Balkan region

Rise of Islam Cradle of Islam is the region of Arabia – lies between Asia & Africa Arabs are descendants of Ishmael – son of Abraham through Hagar Gen.17:20 “I will make him a great nation” Bedouins: nomads who roamed the desert in search of pasture and water Arabs had no central government; loyal to tribe

Rise of Islam Islam means “submission Muslims mean “submitters to Allah” Founder of Islam: Muhammad (570-632) Born in Mecca into a poor family; orphaned at age 6 Marries his wealthy employer 15yrs older Deeply influenced by monotheism of Christianity and Judaism

Rise of Islam Receives vision from Gabriel Considers himself a messenger of God and prophet Muhammad is ridiculed by peers in Mecca Mecca was a leading trade center which held Kaaba – sacred shrine that housed hundreds of pagan idols Kicked out because he preaches monotheism

Rise of Islam Muhammad flees to Medina – move known as Hegira or “flight” At Medina, followers of Muhammad increase rapidly and he becomes the political, military, and religious leader Comes back to Mecca and destroys Kaaba to make it an Islamic center

Teachings of Islam Koran: sacred book of Muslims Composed of 114 chapters (suras) and prime authority on Muslim belief According to Koran, Allah sent 100,000 prophets to reveal his will and Muhammad is the last and greatest prophet

Five Pillars 5 Pillars Shahadah: thesis of Islam “There is no God but Allah and Muhammad is his prophet.” 2. Salat: “prayers” – praying 5 times a day facing Mecca 3. Zakat: “purification” – alms (money) given to the poor

Five Pillars 5 Pillars 4. Sawm: fast that Muslims observe from sunrise to sunset during Ramadan 5. Hajj: pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during their lifetime

Spread of Islam Muhammad did not point a successor First 4 successors were called “caliphs” and the first caliph was Abu Bakr (father of one of Muhammad’s wives) Reasons for rapid Expansion of Islam Desire for fertile land Byzantine & Persian empires were already weak Each conquest was viewed as “jihad” (holy war) and their fervor produced a fighting spirit

Spread of Islam 661 AD Muslim general becomes caliph and establishes Umayyads rule Moves capital from Mecca to Damascus Continues arab expansion to North Africa, India, Constantinople, and invades Spain Finally stopped by Franks at the Battle of Tours (732 AD) which stops Muslim advance into Europe

Muslim Culture Muslim Culture Most famous muslim poet: Omar Khayyam Mathematics: muslims borrowed their math knowledge from India Medicine: developed new medical procedures Muslim physicians: al-Razi, ibn Sina