The Eastern Roman Empire The Byzantine Byzantium Becomes

The Eastern Roman Empire “The Byzantine”

Byzantium Becomes Constantinople Constantine the Great also known as Constantine Born(272 CE)in Serbia and ruled from 306 -337 CE. After the Battle of the Milvian Bridge. Adopted Christianity and became the first Christian Emperor and decreed the Edict of Milan. The people of Byzantium did not call themselves “Byzantines” Thought of themselves Romans Most of them were Christians Spoke Greek not Latin The capital was Built in the Bosporus Strait It is because of these differences some historians separate the name of the Empires.

Advantages of Constantinople 1. The city was easier to defend than Rome Was surrounded by water on three sides. Two rings of walls surrounded by a moat (The wall of Theodosius and Constantine). 2. 3. Theodosius Wall was built in 412 CE and was 6 km long Powerful currents made it difficult to attack from the sea. The Byzantine had a secret weapon (Greek Fire) Liquid flame projected through siphons that was capable of burning even on water. The exact composition of Greek fire was a state secret which is unknown Geographic location made it an ideal trading post Traded spices from India, furs from Russia, silk from China, and grains from Egypt.

Byzantine Christianity was at the center of society Byzantine Christianity was closely tied to the government. Emperors are often referred to as caesaropapist, supreme over both church and government. Constantine himself convened the Council of Nicaea in 325 which brought together many bishops and church leaders to consider the position of Arian Christians. he Arians were followers of a priest from Alexandria named Arius who taught that Jesus had been a mortal man created by God rather than divine and co-equal with God. The Byzantine church was treated by the Emperors as a department of the state. hey appointed the Patriarch of Constantinople (the highest church office in Byzantium)