byzantine empire. church of hagia sophia constantinople (istanbul today)
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Byzantine Empire
Byzantine Empire
Church of Hagia Sophia Church of Hagia Sophia
Constantinople (Istanbul Today)Constantinople
(Istanbul Today)
Learning Objectives
• The location and importance of Constantinople (Capitol of the Byzantine Empire)
• The importance of Justinian Law Code
• The preservation of Greek and Roman culture
Where was Constantinople?(Istanbul today)
Why might this location have been important?
1.1. Crossroads Crossroads between East between East & West& West
2.2. Trade routes to Trade routes to India and India and ChinaChina
3.3. Natural Natural defensesdefenses
B.Why would this city be difficult to conquer?
Setting the Stage:
The Roman Empire Divided in 294 AD
Setting the Stage:
The Roman Empire Divided in 294 AD
Western Roman Empire FallsWestern Roman Empire Falls
1. Defeated by Germanic Tribes
2. Corrupt Government
3. Empire too large4. Social issues –
Christianity, slavery, ….
Barbarian Invasions of the Roman Empire
Barbarian Invasions of the Roman Empire
Constantine’s City--Constantinopolis
Constantine’s City--Constantinopolis
Emperor of Rome Constantine I move the center of Rome from Rome Italy to Constantinople in 330 AD.
ConstantinopleConstantinople • Founded in 330 by
Constantine• Perfect location for
new capital of Empire
1. Crossroads between East & West
2. Trade routes to India and China
3. Natural defenses
Justinian Justinian RULED 527-565 A.D.
1. Reformed Roman power
2. Build up Constantinople
3. Rebuilt the Hagia Sophia
4. Absolute Ruler - Autocrat
Justinian’s Empire at its Peak
Justinian’s Empire at its Peak
Interior of the Church of Hagia Sophia
Interior of the Church of Hagia Sophia
Justinian’s CodeJustinian’s Code
Corpus Juris Civilis (Body of Civil Law):
1. Recodification of Roman law
2. Social existence as defined by Roman law
3. Became the civil code of Byzantium
Laws about Justinian Code American Laws
All women can own property, make contracts and will, and
bring a lawsuit.
All women can own property, make contracts and wills, bring a lawsuit.
Women are guaranteed the same right as men.
Robbery Robbery was not a crime. The victim could sue the robber for
up to four times the values of the stolen property.
Robbery is a crime and is punishable by a fine and/ or a prison
sentence.
Failure to pay debts
People owed something had to the person owing them to gain
debt back.
People owed something had to the person owing them to gain debt
back.
Murder Murder is punished by a prison sentence or death.
Women could not inherit property from their husbands
unless it was provided in a will. Children received equal amounts
of the father’s estate.
Standard law allows wives and children to divide an estate. Other directions can be provided for in a
will.
Women’s Rights
All women can own property, make contracts and will, and
bring a lawsuit.
All women can own property, make contracts and wills, bring a lawsuit.
Women are guaranteed the same right as men.
Robbery Robbery was not a crime. The victim could sue the robber for
up to four times the values of the stolen property.
Robbery is a crime and is punishable by a fine and/ or a prison
sentence.
People owed something had to the person owing them to gain
debt back.
People owed something had to the person owing them to gain debt
back.
Murder is punished by a prison sentence or death.
Women could not inherit property from their husbands
unless it was provided in a will. Children received equal amounts
of the father’s estate.
Standard law allows wives and children to divide an estate. Other directions can be provided for in a
will.
Women’s Rights
All women can own property, make contracts and will, and
bring a lawsuit.
All women can own property, make contracts and wills, bring a lawsuit.
Women are guaranteed the same right as men.
Robbery Robbery was not a crime. The victim could sue the robber for
up to four times the values of the stolen property.
Robbery is a crime and is punishable by a fine and/ or a prison
sentence.
People owed something had to the person owing them to gain
debt back.
People owed something had to the person owing them to gain debt
back.
Murder is punished by a prison sentence or death.
Inheritance Women could not inherit property from their husbands
unless it was provided in a will. Children received equal amounts
of the father’s estate.
Standard law allows wives and children to divide an estate. Other directions can be provided for in a
will.
Murder was punished by banishment (cast out)
Empress TheodoraEmpress Theodora1.Ambitious,
powerful, intelligent
2. Tough politician
3. Fought for women’s rights
Byzantine EmperorsByzantine Emperors
• Absolute monarch Autocratic
• Chosen by Divine Right “Christ’s Co-Leader”
• Court ceremony patterned on role of Apostle
ReligionReligionMajor influence upon Orthodox
Christianity– spread Orthodox Christianity to
Russian people
Great Schism - 1054• Split between Church in Rome and
the Church in Constantinople• Political and doctrinal issues
Major difference: Greek Orthodoxy does not recognize Pope.
ROMAN CATHOLICISM (in western Europe)
Pope (Rome)
Services in Latin
Divorce not permitted
Priests (can’t marry)
Use of Icons permitted
GREEK ORTHODOXY (in eastern Europe)
Patriarch (Constantinople)
Services in Greek
Divorce permitted- under certain conditions
Priests (can marry)
Use of Icons not permitted
EconomyEconomy Most advanced economy in
Europe for many centuries
• internationally preferred currency for 700 years
• Constantinople one of the wealthiest cities in the world
Byzantine Byzantine ArtArt A. Grew from art of Ancient
GreeceB. Purpose - glorification of God,
figures of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary,
C. Icon: Image used as an object of worship in Orthodox churches and private homes
Cyrillic AlphabetCyrillic Alphabet
•Created alphabet to translate the Bible
•Allowed a vast population of Slavs read the bible.
•Converting many to Christianity
Byzantine EmpireByzantine Empire
Empire lasted 1123 years
• 330 – 1453 AD• Established Eastern
Orthodox Church• Scholars record and
preserve many valuable ancient Greek and Roman texts
External stresses in the 7th and 8th centuries: Muslims take Greater Syria, Egypt, N. Africa; besiege Constantinople twice (679-83 and 717-18).
Decline of EmpireDecline of Empire
IconsIcons
• Small religious Small religious picture used to help picture used to help focus prayer.focus prayer.
• Depict Jesus, Mary, Depict Jesus, Mary, Saints, AngelsSaints, Angels
Iconoclastic ControversyIconoclastic Controversy• Use of icons causes Use of icons causes
big debate.big debate.
• Some people think Some people think idols are false gods.idols are false gods.
• Argument is one major Argument is one major reason for split in reason for split in Church in 1054 AD.Church in 1054 AD.
MosaicsMosaics
• Designs formed by inlaid pieces of stone, Designs formed by inlaid pieces of stone, glass, enamel, etc.glass, enamel, etc.
• Covered floors, walls, ceilings.Covered floors, walls, ceilings.• Usually religious in nature.Usually religious in nature.• Figures appear stiff and artificial (not real)Figures appear stiff and artificial (not real)• Calm faces try to inspire reverence and Calm faces try to inspire reverence and
renouncing earthly pleasures.renouncing earthly pleasures.
JustinianJustinian Theodora Theodora