The Byzantine Empire and The Crusades Topic 1

Roman Empire

The Reign of Justinian 5th century, Germanic tribes from the north move into the western Roman Empire. Fleeing the Huns Eastern Roman Empire continued to exist. Justinian became emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire in 527. Capital is Constantinople.

Roman Empire

He restored the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean to include Italy part of Spain North Africa Asia Minor Palestine Syria. His most important contribution was his codification of Roman law in The Body of Civil Law. It was the basis of the European legal system.

From Eastern Roman Empire to Byzantine Empire Justinian’s conquest left the Eastern Roman Empire with serious problems: Too much territory to protect far from Constantinople Empty treasury Population decline due to a plague Frontier threats. Most serious challenge was Islam Unified Arab forces that invaded the Eastern Roman Empire. By 8th Century empire lost Syria and Palestine Now consisted of Eastern Balkans and Asia Minor, known as the Byzantine Empire.

Byzantine Empire

Byzantine Empire was both a Greek and Christian state, built on Christian faith. Greek replaced Latin as the official language. Christian church of the Byzantine Empire came to be known as the Eastern Orthodox Church. Byzantines believed Emperor was chosen by God. The emperor appointed the head of the Eastern Orthodox Church, known as the patriarch. As a result, the emperor had control over the church and the state.

Check for Understanding Why could rapid expansion of a territory lead to a decline?

Life in Constantinople Justinian rebuilt Constantinople. Constantinople was the largest city in Europe during the Middle Ages. Greatest center of commerce, chief center of trade between west and east Silk Spices Ivory Wheat

Justinian built an immense palace, hundreds of churches. Hippodrome: arena held races, fights extensive public works, including immense underground reservoirs for the city’s water supply. Hagia Sophia- was the greatest building built—Church of the Holy wisdom.

Church of Hagia Sophia [Holy Wisdom]

Interior of the Church of Hagia Sophia

New Heights & New Problems Byzantine’s Macedonian Dynasty helped expand Empire and fostered a burst of economic prosperity. Byzantine Empire troubled by split between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church in the West. The issue was regarding who should be the head of the church.

The head of Christian faith for the Orthodox Church was the patriarch The head of Christian faith for the Orthodox Church was the patriarch. For the Roman Catholic Church the head of the church was the pope. The Orthodox Church would not accept the pope as the head of the Christian faith. In 1054 Pope Leo IX and Patriarch Michael Cerularius excommunicated each other. This began schism, or separation, between the two great branches of Christianity.

Check for Understanding Define Schism

The Crusades From 11th – 13th century, European Christians went on as series of military campaigns to regain the Holy Land, Jerusalem, from the Muslims, who were regarded as infidels (nonbelievers) by the Christians These military expeditions are known as Crusades. Push for the Crusades came when the Byzantine emperor Alexius I asked the Europeans to help against the Sljuk Turks who were Muslims. At the Council of Clermont in 1095, Pope Urban II urged Christians to take up arms in a holy war.

First Crusades The First Crusades began as three organized bands of warriors, most of them French, made their way east. Reached Jerusalem in 1099. Massacred thousand of inhabitants. Muslims began to strike back. The fall of one of the Latin kingdoms led to calls for another crusade.

Second Crusade The Second Crusade led by: King Luis VII of France Conrad III of Germany Crusade was a failure. In 1187, Jerusalem fell to the Muslims under Saladin.

Third Crusade Lead by Frederick drowned in a local river Frederick Barbarossa from Germany Richard I of England Phillip II Augusts from France Frederick drowned in a local river Philip went home Richard negotiated an agreement with Saladin allowing Christian pilgrim’s access to Jerusalem.

Fourth Crusade Six years, after the death of Saladin, Pope Innocent III started Fourth Crusade. Crusaders sacked Constantinople in 1204. It was a chance to eliminate the main trade competitor (the Byzantine Empire). The Byzantine Empire would eventually be conquered by the Ottoman Turks.

Children’s Crusade Two “children crusades,” occurred in 1212. Many were sent home Some drowned Some were sold into slavery

Check for Understanding Why did Christian believe their crusades were justified?

Why fight in the crusades? Believed it was their duty as Christians. Forgiveness of sins Freedom from Serfdom Taxes would be paid by Church and any debt would be cancelled. Gain personal wealth by claiming riches in Holy Land. Adventure

Effects of the Crusades Unfortunate effect of the Crusades was that it began the first widespread attacks on Jews. Many Christians believed that the Jews were the “murders of Christ.” The massacre of Jews became part of medieval European life. Greatest impact of the Crusades was political. They eventually helped to break down feudalism.

Nobles lose power, kings became stronger and wealthier. Kings levied taxes and raised armies, nobles joining the Crusades sold their lands and freed their serfs. Nobles lose power, kings became stronger and wealthier. Led to the development of nation-states. Mid-1400’s four strong states emerge Portugal Spain England France

Check for Understanding How does a duty to religious beliefs apply to opinions people have today?