The Romanian Countries and the Byzantine Influence Andreea

The Romanian Countries and the Byzantine Influence Andreea Solomon (XI th grade student) Daniela Livadaru ( teacher ) Ţurcănaşu Mihaela ( teacher)

• The Romanian modern state gathers territories which, in the medieval age, were distinct regions (Moldavia, Wallachia, Transylvania, Dobrudja). The founding of the Romanian medieval countries also reflects the Byzantine Empire’s influence, along other influences belonging to the great powers of that time.

The Romanian Countries and the Byzantine Influence • We set as our goal to illustrate these Byzantine elements, which have marked the historical evolution of the Romanian territory before the collapse of the Byzantine Empire (1453). We consider that there is a Byzantine influence even after this event, as the great historian Nicolae Iorga showed in his work, entitled “Byzantium after Byzantium”. • The Byzantine reign in the north of the Danube from the 3 rd to the 12 th century. • The institutions of the Romanian medieval countries and the Byzantine influence: - Governing Principles – The reign - The Aristocracy (the Boyars) - The official Costume of Rulers and Ladies - The Church

The Byzantine reign in the north of the Danube from the 3 rd to the 12 th century After the conquest of Dacia by the emperor Traian (106), a Roman province was founded in the north of the Danube, a province which intensified the process of Romanization of Dacians. Out of strategic reasons, Aurelian ordered the retreat of the Roman legions and Roman administration from Roman Dacia (273275), leaving this territory unprotected in the age of the Great Migrations.

The Byzantine reign in the north of the Danube from the 3 rd to the 12 th century The Byzantine Empire conquered the late-Roman territory situated in the north of the Danube, making it a region of strategic importance. The Byzantine Empire strengthened the limes (the empire’s borders) many times, by building fortresses, bridges and defence banks in the north of the Danube.

The Byzantine reign in the north of the Danube from the 3 rd to the 12 th century Tropaeum Traiani The period: from the 1 st to the 11 th century Capidava The period: from the 1 st to the 11 th century The consolidations made under the emperors Diocletian (284 -305) and Constantine the Great (305 -337) were followed of those made under Anastasius I and Justinian the Great. The ruins of the fortresses Carsium, Capidava, Dinogetia, Tropaeum Traiani, Noviodunum and Troesmis stand as proof.

The Byzantine reign in the north of the Danube from the 3 rd to the 12 th century The reconstruction of the Danube limes meant a more intense monetary circulation and the presence of numerous Roman auxiliary troops (especially cavalry) near the defence line, in order to support the offensive actions, which were meant to discourage the marching of the migratory peoples towards the Byzantine Empire. Nomisma Tetarteron discovered at Sun’s Land (Păcuiul lui Soare) Byzantine soldiers

The Byzantine reign in the north of the Danube from the 3 rd to the 12 th century During the reign of Justinian, some Dacian-Roman territories (Oltenia, Banat, Muntenia) were included inside the empire’s borders again.

The Byzantine reign in the north of the Danube from the 3 rd to the 12 th century During the reign of John I Tzimiskes and the Comnens, Dobrudja was transformed into a theme (an administrative and military Byzantine subdivision), named Paristrion. The same emperor also dealt with the consolidation of some fortresses (Dinogetia, Capidava, Troesmis, Axiopolis) and built a new one, Sun’s Land, which reflects the strength of the Byzantine reign in this region. 1 – Garvăn (Dinogetia) 2 – Histria 3 – Isaccea (Noviodunum) 4 – Mahmudia (Salsovia) 5 – Nufăru (Talamorium) 6 - Păcuiul lui Soare 7 – Silistra 8 – Târguşor 9 – Tulcea 10 – Valea Dacilor (jud. Constanţa

The Byzantine reign in the north of the Danube from the 3 rd to the 12 th century • Sun’s Land (Păcuiul lui Soare) was built in order to defend Durostorum against the attacks coming from the north. In Dobrudja numerous trading seals and other vestiges were discovered, which confirmed the special care shown to Dobrudja by John I Tzimiskes. Byzantine coin (Nomisma Tetarteron discovered at Sun’s Land) A medallion of Byzantine influence was discovered on Sun’s Land – Vicina

After 1453 The fall of Constantinople depicted on the outside walls of Voroneţ Monastery, in North of Romania

The institutions of the Romanian medieval countries and the Byzantine influence Governing Principles – The reign Byzantine Governing Principles • The Byzantine emperor was considered “God’s Chosen One”, being proclaimed as such by the army and recognized by the Senate. • Following the political investiture at the Hippodrome, was the crowning in Saint Sophia Cathedral, not before a faith profession in front of the patriarch of Constantinople. • The patriarch played a very important part, even a decisive one, being, in general, a main adviser of the emperor. Governing Principles in Moldavia (XIVth – XVIth Century) • • • As the head of a Christian state, the ruler was considered a divine choice, as in Byzantium, and had the title of “God’s Chosen One”, being proclaimed ruler by the Country’s Advisers and by the people gathered in the capital city. The one who invested him and gave the blessing was Moldavia’s metropolitan, in the Metropolitan Cathedral. The metropolitan participated in the Advisers’ Council and had an important political role.

The institutions of the Romanian medieval countries and the Byzantine influence Governing Principles – The reign Byzantine Governing Principles • The empire was considered the earthly image of God’s Kingdom • The emperors were usually chosen according to the hereditary criterion, but this principle did not exclude encroachment • As someone who represented God on earth, the emperor had absolute authority, but not tyrannically, for among his most appreciated qualities were justice, generosity and philanthropy. Governing Principles in Moldavia (XIVth – XVIth Century) • The rulers were chosen according to the hereditary criterion, the hereditary-elective principle that was functioning in Byzantium was also adopted in the Romanian countries. • The ruler was the head of the army, landlord, and chief of administration, having absolute power. He was also the main founder of churches, monasteries and the greatest advocate of culture.

The institutions of the Romanian medieval countries and the Byzantine influence Stephen the Great, Ruler of Moldavia (1457 -1504) Stephen the Great – respect for the Byzantine legacy • adapts the Byzantine political model to the local realities • keeps the idea of ruling by divine rights, the bounty and the ceremonies of the royal court, the religious hierarchy, the law • shows respect for the Byzantine cultural legacy, embedding it in the Moldavian art (architecture, paintings, adorns, miniature work) • defender of the former Byzantine territories (the late crusades) • Guardian of the Orthodox Church of Jerusalem and Mount Athos. • Churches and monasteries founder (about 43) • Moldavia was intended to become an island of Byzantine spirituality Stephen’s the Great Portrait The gospel from Humor Monastery, 1473

The institutions of the Romanian medieval countries and the Byzantine influence Neagoe Basarab, Ruler of Wallachia, 1512 - 1521 Neagoe Basarab – prince, artist and philosopher • one of the greatest ruler-founder • defender of the Eastern Orthodoxy (Mount Athos, Greece, Jerusalem) • author of the first ethical work in Romanian, inspired by similar writings by the emperor Basil II the Macedonian • peace adept, has a theological view on monarchy • promoter of Byzantine humanism • supports the founding of the first printer in Wallachia • represents the cleanest image of a God invested monarch Neagoe Basarab’s family votive portrait Curtea de Argeş Monastery

The institutions of the Romanian medieval countries and the Byzantine influence The Aristocracy (the Boyars) The formation and organization of Romanian medieval aristocracy, as a dominant social class, was tightly connected to the Byzantine aristocracy. • The direct Byzantine influence – through Byzantine noble families, mixed marriages, clerks and immigrants and through the investiture of Phanariot rulers. – Cantacuzino, Caradja/Caragea, Rusetos/Rosetti families • The indirect Byzantine influence: –Through Bulgarian way – Through Serbian way • The aristocracy developed parallel to the evolution of Romanian medieval countries • There were also other influences from Poland Ukraine in Moldavia, from Cantacuzino Family’s Coat of Arms (being of Bulgaria and Serbia in Wallachia, from the Byzantine origin, their coat of arms included the double-headed eagle) Hungarian Kingdom in Transylvania

The institutions of the Romanian medieval countries and the Byzantine influence The aristocracy (the boyars) The boyars had a tight relationship with the Church (boyars – founders of churches and monasteries), continuing the Byzantine Church-State Symphony The Governor (hatman) of Suceava, Luca Arbore and his family, entrusting his foundation Arbore Church to Christ

The institutions of the Romanian medieval countries and the Byzantine influence The aristocracy (the boyars) • The system of high offices bears the seal of the administrative organization of the Byzantine Empire • The duties of some high officials resemble the Byzantine ones, sometimes even having the same name in Romanian (logofăt - logophete, spătar - spatharius, comis - comes, vistiernic vestiarus) • Others keep the duties, but adapt the names to the local ones (the magistrate, the chief of the army, the governor, the bread provider, the cup bearer) • Some high offices are new, original (with local traits): ban, majordome, steward, meat provider, merchandiser The spatharius Preda and his wife, Stanca Arnota Monastery, 1635

The institutions of the Romanian medieval countries and the Byzantine influence The official Costume of Rulers • The costume is of Byzantine origin, with oriental and western influences • Byzantine tunic above the knees, tight on the waist and with tight sleeves, fastened with buttons and adorned with different motifs (granazza), garnished with a wide embroidered fringe on the collar and the lower part • Tight trousers, like those worn by the Byzantine knights • Short boots or shoes • Belt made of precious fabric, with gold thread and garnished with gems – symbolizing the submission to God Mircea the Old and his son, dressed in Byzantine costume – Cozia Monastery, 1396

The institutions of the Romanian medieval countries and the Byzantine influence The official Costume of Rulers Constantin Brâncoveanu and his sons Hurezi Monastery, 1692 • Round mantle, down to the knees or to the ground, fastened with an ornamental buckle on the shoulder, made of silk, velvet or fabric embroidered with gold thread, sometimes with furry fringes – symbolizing the sky (the round one) or the earth (the square one • The royal crown, made of gold adorned with gems – the round form conveyed perfection and wholeness • The sword represented the ruler’s duty to protect his people; it had a handle with the upper part crosswise and it symbolized invoking God’s help

The institutions of the Romanian medieval countries and the Byzantine influence The official Costume of Ladies • The hair was fastened in a gold thread net, with hairpins adorned with gems or covered with embroidered veil • Long earrings made of gold with pearls or other gems • The crown was richly garnished, with golden tassels and gems • Silk shirt covered with an embroidered blouse with gold thread, with loose embroidered sleeves and tight cuffs • Richly adorned vest, without sleeves • Long pleated skirt, woven fine wool • Silk or velvet gown, furred, with long sleeted sleeves, with gold or golden silver buttons Neagoe’s Basarab wife, Lady Roxanda Curtea de Argeş Monastery, 1526

The institutions of the Romanian medieval countries and the Byzantine influence Ruler’s Tunic Boyar’s Costume Neagoe Basarab - 1514 17 th Century

The institutions of the Romanian medieval countries and the Byzantine influence The Church • The Byzantine political model has been implemented in the Romanian Countries through the Church, which is recorded since the 1 st Century in the Romanian territories. • The establishment of Metropolitanates in Wallachia (1359 ) and Moldavia (1386), in direct dependency of The Ecumenical Patriarchy, had the significance of a recognition of the Romanian States in the Byzantine and orthodox spiritually spheres of influence. • Another element with which the Church contributed to the assertion of the Romanian stateship and its integration into the imperial hierarchy was the assigning of the rank of “Io” (from Ioan John, name that translates as “God gave holly gift”) to the Romanian leaders, next to their name (Io Mircea Voivod). Moldavia’s coat of arms, including the cross – Three Hierarchs Monastery, 1639 Io Mircea Voivod… - Cozia Monastery, 1386

The institutions of the Romanian medieval countries and the Byzantine influence The Church St. Nicholas Princely Church, Curtea de Argeş, 1352 build in the Greek cross shape, in Byzantine style • The most visible and the most powerful influence of the Byzantine Empire in the Romanian Countries can be seen in the Church’s organization and in the place occupied in the State affairs and society. • it was directly dependent of the Constantinople Patriarchy, but they had autonomy from it and supremacy over the rest of the Orthodox Churches in the region • like in Byzantium, it was associated with the political ruling of the country • it had an almost complete monopoly over the culture, scholarship and welfare • it was exempted by the ruler from paying taxes and it enjoyed a lot of privileges and gifts from the rulers and the noblemen (villages, land, vineyards, orchards, ponds…)

The light of the Byzantine Empire enlightened the way to creation of the Romanian State, from its beginning through its medieval development. The Byzantine roots can be identified in many areas, but they weren’t exclusive. They were doubled by other influences: local, oriental and western influences that combined altogether to form the Romanian national identity. As our national poet, Mihai Eminescu said, “The icon of the star now-gone Slowly climbs up heaven’s vault: It was there before laid eyes upon; Though we now see it, it’s long gone. . ”