Ch 2 3 The Early Byzantine Empire EQs

Ch 2. 3: The Early Byzantine Empire EQ’s: 1. How did the Byzantine Empire’s location, and the city of Constantinople, influenced its culture? 2. Explain why did the church split into 2 and their major differences.

Remember! • Rome was split into two pieces by Emperor Diocletian • The western portion of Rome fell to invaders • The eastern part survived and became known as the Byzantine Empire

Justinian I • After Western Roman Empire fell, Byzantine Empire rose to great heights • In large part due to powerful ruler named Justinian I • Justinian reigned (ruled) from 527 -565

The Rule of Justinian • Expanded the Byzantine Empire – Recaptured some of Rome’s lost land from Germanic tribes • Developed legal code known as the Justinian Code – used in Byzantine for 900 years • Did many public works – – Built many churches, palaces, and other buildings • Hagia Sophia – a famous church

Stop! Review Question: What were some of Justinian’s main accomplishments?

FYI: Theodora and Justinian • Theodora was Justinian’s wife • Met when she was an actress • An old Roman law forbid an emperor to marry an actress so Justinian got rid of the law • Theodora had a lot of power and influence in Justinian’s decisions as ruler

• Wife of Emperor Justinian • Raised in poverty and became an actress • Most powerful woman in Byzantine history • Met with foreign envoys (Representatives) & leaders, passed laws • Protected women’s rights

Rise of Constantinople • Location of Constantinople played key role in city’s growth – located between Europe and southwest Asia • Became center of trade and business – merchants sold items from Asia, Africa, and all over Europe • Citizen’s enjoyed free entertainment in the Hippodrome (city’s large arena)

The Hippodrome – City’s Large Arena

Stop! Review Questions: 1. Why was Constantinople able to grow? 2. What were some of the main attractions of Constantinople?

Influences From Others • Byzantine Empire was greatly effected by different cultures from East AND West – goods and ideas from other countries throughout Asia, Africa, and Europe were exchanged • Byzantine was built on Roman foundations and ideas but it also developed its own ways

Byzantium = Constantinople = Istanbul Western Europe East – Gateway to Asia and Middle East © Students of History - https: //www. teacherspayteachers. com/Store/Students-Of. History

Stop! Review Question: What effect did the Byzantine Empire’s location have on its culture?

Disagreements Split Christianity • Christianity was the main religion in Byzantine Empire and the West but it developed differently in each place • Differences led to split in Christian church – Led to two distinct European civilizations

FYI: Remember: Christianity in the Empire • Christianity began during the Roman Empire • Constantine allowed it to flourish by stopping all attacks on Christians. • By the fall of Rome it was well established in Europe and had a huge following

Christian Structure • In a church - Priests led small groups of Christians • Bishops supervised several churches and priests • Head bishop of all Rome was known as the Pope – Pope was head of entire Christian Church

Rome - Home of the Pope • City of Rome (located in the former Western Roman Empire) was home to the Pope and the center of Christianity

Clash of Popes and Emperors • As Byzantine Empire grew emperors often did not get along with the Pope • Byzantine emperors (also known as the Head of State) considered themselves the final authority on religious issues • The Pope insisted that they had the final say on religious issues

FYI: Example of Debate Over Religious Power: • Byzantine emperor/Head of State, Leo III, banned use of icons • Icons = religious images used by Eastern Christians to aid in prayer (Pictures, crosses, etc) • Emperor Leo III said use of icons was idol worship (belief in false gods)

• Religious images used by Christians for devotion • Thought to connect believer to image in the icon • The Pope supported icons but in the east idol worship was banned

FYI: One Example of Debate Over Religious Power: Pope’s Response • The Pope disagreed and supported the use of icons • He excommunicated (removed from the church) Emperor Leo III

The Church Splits • In 1054 differences lead to a schism, or official split, between the 2 groups • Result = creation of 2 new Christian religions: – Roman Catholic Church (Church of the West) – Eastern Orthodox Church (Church of the East)

Christianity Roman Catholic Eastern Orthodox Protestant The Split occurred in 1054 Split occurred in the 16 th century

Stop! Review Question: Power between which two people lead to a schism/split in the Christian church?

Who has Authority • In Roman Catholicism Pope claimed authority over church AND kings and emperors • In Eastern Orthodoxy, emperor (Head of State) ruled over the patriarch (leader of Eastern Orthodox church)

Stop! Review Question: How did the schism of 1054 affect the Christian church? Who has authority over the Eastern Orthodox Church?

FYI: Lesson Summary: • After the Western Roman Empire fell, the Byzantine Empire continued many Roman ways • Influenced by both Rome and the East, the Byzantines developed a unique culture • Disagreements within the Christian church caused it to split into two separate churches

Why It Matters Now… • Today, millions of people still practice Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy

Summary: • Complete a 10 sentence minimum summary answering the EQ’s with details! • Remember to PROVE your summary answer supporting your answers with facts! • Remember the EQ’s were: 1. Describe how the Byzantine Empire’s location, including the city of Constantinople, influenced its culture. 2. Describe why the church split into 2 and how the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches are different.