Byzantine and Russia

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

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)

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 Great public works, baths, schools, reservoirs, etc.

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)

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

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

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)

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

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

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