330 ad – 1453 ad. in our last unit, you learned how the emperor constantine moved his capital from...
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330 AD – 1453 AD
The Byzantine Empire
The Golden Horn
Introduction: In our last unit, you learned how the emperor Constantine moved his
capital from Rome to the ancient city of Byzantium in 33o C.E. This city eventually became known as Constantinople.
After Constantine’s reign, power was usually divided between two emperors. One was based in Rome, and one in Constantinople.
After the fall of Rome, the eastern half of the empire continued for another 1,000 years. Today we call this eastern empire the Byzantine Empire, after Byzantium, the original name of its capital city.
This great empire straddled two continents, Europe and Asia. It lasted from about 500 to 1453 C.E. when it was conquered by the Ottoman Turks.
East and west did remain connected for a time through a shared Christian faith. BUT the church in the east developed in its own unique way. It became known as the Eastern Orthodox Church. Over time, Byzantine emperors and church officials came into
conflict with the pope in Rome. The conflict led to a permanent split, or schism, between the
Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. In this assignment, you will learn about the Byzantine Empire, one of
its greatest emperors, and its distinctive church. http://info.teachtci.com
Emperor Constantine takes power of the Roman Empire in the year 312 AD. He took two steps that changed the course of European HistoryStep 1 – Granted tolerance to
Christians Step 2 – Built new Capital
(Constantinople)
Remember Constantine
Constantinople and Rome were on different ends of the falling Roman Empire
Germanic invaders pounded the Roman Empire in the West
Constantinople was not being invaded and was thriving as a trade center
One would crumble, one would thrive
Byzantine EmpireThe “new Rome”Symbol of Roman
CivilizationByzantine Empire:
Greek, Roman, and Christian influences
Change from one way of life to another
Society goes backwards
Trade ends and back to farming
Cities not important
Life After the “Fall” of Rome
Western Europe
VS.
Byzantine Empire
Language: Greek
LOCATIONShores of the Bosporus
Strait – Commanded key trade routes, busiest marketplace, linked Europe to Asia
Eastern Europe is home to many different traditions.
What does this cause?
Latin and German languages
LOCATIONWestern Europe,
central Italy along the Tiber River
Language and LocationWestern Europe
VS.
Sunset on the “Golden Horn”
Sunset on the “Golden Horn”
*Schism (Def: permanent split)! In 1054, a feud with the Roman Pope over holy images. The Byzantine church outlawed praying to images = Pope excommunicated Byzantine Emperor. This is called the Schism of 1054.Resulted in TWO Christian Churches:Eastern (Greek) Orthodox in Byzantine
EmpireRoman Catholic in Western Europe
Religion: The Schism of 1054
Byzantine EmpireRoman Catholic ChurchChristianityChurch is the most
powerful – Papal Supremacy
Priests cannot marryChristmas most
important holidayLatin services
Characteristics of the two churchesWestern Europe
Eastern Orthodox ChurchChristianityEmperor ruled over
churchRejected Pope’s
authorityEaster most
important holiday Priests could marry
Byzantine EmpireStrongest ruler:
Justinian – determined to revive classical Rome
Absolute power along with wife Theodora
Weak rulers after Justinian died, but empire was able to thrive because of Justinian's laws and economy
No significant strong leaders other than the Pope
Power moved to Germany
1st “leader” was Charlemagne (800 AD)
Leaders after 476 AD
Western Europe
Emperor Justinian [r. 527-564]
Emperor Justinian [r. 527-564]
Empress TheodoraEmpress Theodora
Justinian’s Empire at its Peak
Justinian’s Empire at its Peak
Reconquered western provinces (North Africa, Italy, and Spain)
Beautified Constantinople Justinian’s Code: Collected and revised
ancient Roman laws (most important)
Justinian’s lasting achievements
Byzantine EmpireJustinian’s Code – “Body
of civil law”Laws passed by Roman
assemblies, emperors, or judges
Passed to western Europe by 100 AD- used by Medieval monarchs and churches
Used in international law today
Legal system evolved into “might is right”
Strongest wins (Bully System)
Laws of Rome forgotten
Feudal society
Law and Order
Western Europe
Byzantine Empire
Studies emphasized:Hellenistic CultureGreek PhilosophyRoman LawChristian influences
Learning was not important
Church (not education) guided people
Learning
Western Europe
Byzantine EmpireRestore Roman gloryLarge domesMarbleMosaicExample: Hagia
Sophia (Church of Holy Wisdom), later a mosque, now a museum
Return to farmsCities not
important
Major architectural legacy after 476 AD
Western Europe
ConstantinopleNicknamed the “New Rome”Location made it Europe’s
busiest market placeMajor architectural achievements:Hippodrome
Arena built in 200’s for entertainment
Hagia Sophia “Holy Wisdom”Built during Justinian Age Largest cathedral for 1000
yrsCathedral/Mosque/Museum
Constantinople(Istanbul Today)Constantinople(Istanbul Today)