The Byzantine Empire The Golden Horn 330 AD

The Byzantine Empire The Golden Horn 330 AD – 1453 AD

Introduction: In our last unit, you learned how the emperor Constantine moved his capital from Rome to the ancient city of Byzantium in 33 o 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

Remember Constantine Emperor Constantine takes power of the Roman Empire in the year 312 AD. He took two steps that changed the course of European History Step 1 – Granted tolerance to Christians Step 2 – Built new Capital (Constantinople)

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

Life After the “Fall” of Rome Byzantine Empire Western Europe The “new Rome” Change from one way of Symbol of Roman Civilization Byzantine Empire: Greek, Roman, and Christian influences VS. life to another Society goes backwards Trade ends and back to farming Cities not important

Language and Location Western Europe Byzantine Empire Language: Greek VS. LOCATION Shores 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 LOCATION Western Europe, central Italy along the Tiber River

Sunset on the “Golden Horn”

Religion: The Schism of 1054 *Schism (Def: permanent split)! In 1054, a feud with the Roman Popeover 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 Empire Roman Catholic in Western Europe

Characteristics of the two churches Byzantine Empire Eastern Orthodox Church Christianity Emperor ruled over church Rejected Pope’s authority Easter most important holiday Priests could marry Western Europe Roman Catholic Church Christianity Church is the most powerful – Papal Supremacy Priests cannot marry Christmas most important holiday Latin services

Leaders after 476 AD Byzantine Empire Western Europe Strongest ruler: Justinian No significant strong – determined to revive leaders other than the classical Rome Pope Absolute power along Power moved to with wife Theodora Germany Weak rulers after 1 st “leader” was Justinian died, but Charlemagne (800 AD) empire was able to thrive because of Justinian's laws and economy

Emperor Justinian [r. 527 -564] Empress Theodora

Justinian’s Empire at its Peak

Justinian’s lasting achievements Reconquered western provinces (North Africa, Italy, and Spain) Beautified Constantinople Justinian’s Code: Collected and revised ancient Roman laws (most important)

Law and Order Byzantine Empire Western Europe Justinian’s Code – “Body of Legal system evolved 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 into “might is right” Strongest wins (Bully System) Laws of Rome forgotten Feudal society

Learning Byzantine Empire Western Europe Studies emphasized: Hellenistic Culture Greek Philosophy Roman Law Christian influences Learning was not important Church (not education) guided people

Major architectural legacy after 476 AD Byzantine Empire Western Europe Restore Roman glory Return to farms Large domes Cities not important Marble Mosaic Example: Hagia Sophia (Church of Holy Wisdom), later a mosque, now a museum

Constantinople Nicknamed the “New Rome” Location made it Europe’s busiest market place Major architectural achievements: Hippodrome Arena built in 200’s for entertainment Hagia Sophia “Holy Wisdom” Built during Justinian Age Largest cathedral for 1000 yrs Cathedral/Mosque/Museum

Constantinople (Istanbul Today)