His 101 ch 7a byzantium an heir of rome
Transcript of His 101 ch 7a byzantium an heir of rome
Rome’s Three Heirs 500-900 B.C.
Byzantium, Islam and the western European territories of Christendom
In the “Middle Ages”
Foundations of modern political institutions were laid Relationships between Judaism, Christianity and Islam were first
articulated Between 500 and 1100 C.E. Western Civilizations are dominated by
the interactions and conflicts of these three civilizations
Medieval or Middle Ages
The Civilization of Byzantium
330-1453
Baptism of Constantine, Raphael’s pupils, 1520-1524, Fresco, Apostolic Palace,Vatican City
A successor to the Roman state Justinian I (Last Roman Emperor) Threats and challenges
The Persians Theft of the relic of the original cross Heraclius routs the Persians (627)
Islam Codification of Roman Law Challenges to Orthodox Christianity
The Byzantine Empire
Last Emperor who spoke Latin as his
first language Corpus Juris Civilis (Codification of
Roman Law) translated to Greek to be useful
After re-conquest of western empire did not hold, East and West developed own cultures founded in Roman culture but distinctly different
Justinian (R. 527-565)
Codification of Roman law written in Latin, the
language of Rome—translated to Greek, the language of Byzantium Political philosophy; “What pleases the prince has the force
of law” A sovereign’s powers are delegated to him by the people The state is a corporate body, not the extension of an
individual’s private property Orthodox Christianity: only legal religion in the Empire
Corpus Juris Civilis
The Mediterranean World under Justinian, 527–565
Justinian’s Army overextended Drastically strained imperial resources in Byzantium Oppressive taxes resulted Distraction from threats closer to home by Sassanid Kingdom
(Persians) Conflict with Church in Western Roman Empire over power of
Bishops and King, Patriarch or Pope
Unintended Results of Justinian’s Success
Constantinople threatened; armies withdrawn from Italy and North Africa; Vital supply lines for the aqueducts to Rome were cut (Rome was without
water); In 568 the Lombards conquered Northern Italy and some territories in the
South East 3 divisions in Peninsula (North, Central, South East)
Conflict between Visigoths and Latin Hispanolans in Spain weakened each other.
Visigoths conquered and absorbed by Islam. By late 8th century Christian rulers controlled only the northernmost part
of Spain
Consequences
8th century: most Christians insisted that images were an aid to worship
not objects of worship. Iconoclasts argued that honoring images was blasphemy and Christ’s divinity
could not be represented visually. 726, Leo III: decree against icons and ordered destruction of a statue of Christ
near the Hagia Sophia. Constantine V (his son) 754: convened church council to condemn worship of
images. Created discord with Church in Rome over power to decide church policies
implication that Pope was an idolater. Pitted Emperor against monasteries
Leo confiscated Church property claiming blasphemy; but confiscated wealth helped him to pay for wars
Leo II & Iconoclast Controversy
Icons
Religion
Fear of heresy impeded freedom of thought Reinforced unity of Christian culture in a cosmopolitan urban center Hagia Sophia architecture emphasized the mysteries of holy knowledge imparted to
Christ and to the soul of the Believer Links with Hellenistic past: Byzantine schools based instruction on Greek literature
Studied Plato and historical prose of Thucydides Aristotle and logic were less respected (ultimately banned in 1118)
Tradition prized more highly than originality Preservation more important than innovation Byzantine education open to laity and to women
Byzantium: Tradition vs. Innovation
Mosaic above Imperial Gate in the Hagia Sophia depicts Emperor Leo VI adoring Jesus. Who has the power in this mosaic?