Byzantine Empire 330-1453

The Beginning 330-565

The Beginning Unlike other empires there is no clear starting date Continuation of the Roman Empire Some historians date the beginning to 330 C.E. when Constantine established at new capital, Constantinople.

Geography Roman Empire divides in ca. 395 and ends in 476 in the west. Eastern half of the Roman Empire included Egypt, Greece, Syria, and Anatolia. Was wealthier, more urban and more cosmopolitan than the west. Had access to the Black and Mediterranean seas.

Emperor Justinian (527-565) Attempted to reconquer the Mediterranean basin. Reformed administrative system appointed general civil authority in the empire’s provinces. Navy and merchant vessels where active in the Mediterranean and Black seas.

Emperor Justinian (527-565)

The Middle 7th Century-1204

Byzantine State Political authority was highly centralized Emperor claimed to govern “ all creation as God’s worldly representative” and “sole ruler of the world” Aristocrats trained in classical Greek studies and held an elite status. Splendor of the imperial court only touched lightly on the lives of most people.

Conversion of Russia in 988 Kiev was a trading city on the Dnieper River. Late tenth century, Prince Vladimir of Kiev accepts Eastern Orthodox as the faith to unify diverse people and religions. Borrowed Byzantine architectural styles, Cyrillic alphabet, use of icons, and imperial control of the Church.

Religion Caesaropapism Emperor was BOTH the “caesar” and the pope The emperor appointed the patriarch (leader of the Orthodox Church) and treated the church as a government department. A network of bishops and priests brought the message of church to every corner of the empire.

Eastern Orthodox Christianity Pervasive influence on every aspect of Byzantine life. Provided a cultural identity for the empire’s subjects. More than being “Roman” they were “right-thinking”

What do you notice about Byzantine art and architecture?

Orthodoxy vs. Catholicism Both believed in the teachings of Jesus; the Bible; sacraments; and church hierarchy.

Orthodoxy vs. Catholicism Eastern Orthodox Roman Catholic Centered in the Byzantine Empire Greek language Mary gave birth to human Jesus who later becomes the “temple” of God Priests grew long beards and married. Rejected the authority of the pope as the sole authority of Christians everywhere. Centered in Rome Latin language Jesus is the son of God. Priest shaved and were suppose to remain celibate

1054: Great Schism Both churches excommunicated each other, declaring that the others were not “true Christians.” Matters got worse with the Crusades of 1095 and 1204.

The End 1204-1453

Byzantium World Transmitted Greek learning to the Islamic world. Spread religious culture to Slavic people in the Balkans and Russia. Shared the Cyrillic script which made it possible to translate the Bible into other languages.

Byzantium World Continued military and political struggles with Persian Empire ( Sassanid) Military innovation “Greek Fire” Central player in long-distance trade of Eurasia. Bezant—gold coin was used as currency in the Mediterranean basin for 500 years. Produced luxury goods—jewelry, gemstones, silver and gold work, linen and wool textiles, and silk.

The end After 1085, Byzantine territory shrank due to the Catholic Crusades and Turk invasions. 1453 Ottoman Turks sack Constantinople.

And the entire city was to be seen in the tents of the [Turkish] camp, the city deserted, lying lifeless, naked, soundless, without either form or beauty. O city, head of all cities, center of the four corners of the world, pride of the Romans, civilizer of the barbarians… Where is your beauty, O paradise…? Where are the bodies of the Apostle of my Lord…? Where are the relics of the saints, those of the martyrs? Where are the remains of Constantine the Great and the other emperors?…Oh, what a loss!4