The Byzantine Empire Chapter 12 Section 1

Key Terms Byzantine Empire Justinian I Theodora Belisarius Mosaics Icons Clergy Orthodox Church

Emperors Rule in Constantinople Greek for city of Constantine From 395 – 1453 seat of Eastern roman Empire Also known as Byzantine Empire

A New Rome Constantinople was richer and larger than Rome Located on the Bosporus helped to control trade and protect from attack Two strong walls helped it to thrive

Reclaiming the Western Empire Justinian I dreamed of restoring Rome Reconquered Northern Africa from the Vandals Used a fleet of ships Belisarius- a top general also retook Italy

Rebellion at Home Theodora- wife of Justinian served as co-ruler People did not like Justinian’s reforms 532 the Nike Revolt Two factions in revolt Green lower class, blue upper class, were chariot teams

Rebellion at Home Left Constantinople in flames Justinian wanted to flee Theodora refused to flee Belisarius attacked rioters at the Hippodrome and slaughtered thousands

Achievements Rebellion gave a chance to rebuild the city Hagia Sophia- Greek means holy wisdom Most beautiful Christian Church Reformed Roman Law Emperors had not kept good records

Achievements Arranged existing laws and legal opinions in a clear system Corpus Juris-Civilis (body of civil law) Had 4 parts All existing constitutions Include laws from Justinian Called Justinian Code

Changes After Justinian Died 565 Government was broke Expanded beyond control Western provinces fell to migrating tribes

Changes After Justinian 610 Heraclius defeated Persians (eastern border) West he settled Croats and Serbs on Balkan frontier as a buffer They converted to Christianity

The Role of the Emperor Was a priest king Deputy of Jesus Responsible for civil and religious law Although Romans very strong Greek influence Heraclius made Greek official language, replaced Roman titles with Greek titles

Religion and the Arts Most Art, architecture and literature based on religious themes Human subject were saints of figures from the Bible Most art was in mosaics Created with tiny pieces of glass, stone and clay Some tiles had gold

Religion and the Arts Mosaics decorated floors, walls and ceilings Nature of mosaics changed over time Common themes Hand above cross symbolized God 12 lambs- Christian flock on earth

Religion and the Arts Force behind architecture Churches had round domes over square foundations Influenced building across Europe and Asia

Religious Conflicts 700’s use of art in churches causes controversy Icons-paintings and sculptures of sacred figures Some Christians objected to them Thought it idol worship

Religious Conflicts 726 Emperor Leo III forbid use of images and ordered them destroyed Ordered icons at entrance of the palace destroyed Caused riots

Religious Conflicts Western church liked icons Few people could read or write Clergy used icons useful in teaching Christianity 843 icons accepted again Growing divide between the Pope and Byzantine Empire

The Church Splits Eastern church allowed clergy to marry, western did not Ideas on governing the church East- emperor oversaw the church but did not govern Bishops- church leaders Pope in Rome Patriarchs in Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem

The Church Splits Byzantines thought Pope was important but not their leader Church councils- church officials met on major issues

The Church Splits 1054 a schism occurred East was the Orthodox Means right opinion Increased emperor’s power Later would prove dangerous West would not help against invaders West Roman Catholic

Invaders in the Empire Slavs and Bulgars attack from the North Egypt and Syria fell too the Muslims Constantinople was weakened by religious conflict Leo III stops Muslims in 718 and 740

A Period of Calm 800’s Empire improves 867 – 1056 Macedonians ruled Called golden age Improved peasant conditions Established a law school Train officials in government Rule in the Balkans

Internal Weakness Incompetent Emperors Constantinople had well trained and educated leaders Restrained government and military Used energy to make it a center of culture Military saw encroaching danger

Final Decline Strife between military and government Vulnerable to outside attacks Seljuk Turks 1071 defeat Byzantines in Asia Minor 1453 Ottoman Turks attack and defeat Constantinople Renamed city Istanbul