Byzantine Empire

Byzantine Empire

Church of Hagia Sophia Church of Hagia Sophia

Constantinople (Istanbul Today)Constantinople

(Istanbul Today)

Learning Objectives

• The location and importance of Constantinople (Capitol of the Byzantine Empire)

• The importance of Justinian Law Code

• The preservation of Greek and Roman culture

Where was Constantinople?(Istanbul today)

Why might this location have been important?

1.1. Crossroads Crossroads between East between East & West& West

2.2. Trade routes to Trade routes to India and India and ChinaChina

3.3. Natural Natural defensesdefenses

B.Why would this city be difficult to conquer?

Setting the Stage:

The Roman Empire Divided in 294 AD

Setting the Stage:

The Roman Empire Divided in 294 AD

Western Roman Empire FallsWestern Roman Empire Falls

1. Defeated by Germanic Tribes

2. Corrupt Government

3. Empire too large4. Social issues –

Christianity, slavery, ….

Barbarian Invasions of the Roman Empire

Barbarian Invasions of the Roman Empire

Constantine’s City--Constantinopolis

Constantine’s City--Constantinopolis

Emperor of Rome Constantine I move the center of Rome from Rome Italy to Constantinople in 330 AD.

ConstantinopleConstantinople • Founded in 330 by

Constantine• Perfect location for

new capital of Empire

1. Crossroads between East & West

2. Trade routes to India and China

3. Natural defenses

Justinian Justinian RULED 527-565 A.D.

1. Reformed Roman power

2. Build up Constantinople

3. Rebuilt the Hagia Sophia

4. Absolute Ruler - Autocrat

Justinian’s Empire at its Peak

Justinian’s Empire at its Peak

Interior of the Church of Hagia Sophia

Interior of the Church of Hagia Sophia

Justinian’s CodeJustinian’s Code

Corpus Juris Civilis (Body of Civil Law):

1. Recodification of Roman law

2. Social existence as defined by Roman law

3. Became the civil code of Byzantium

Laws about Justinian Code American Laws

All women can own property, make contracts and will, and

bring a lawsuit.

All women can own property, make contracts and wills, bring a lawsuit.

Women are guaranteed the same right as men.

Robbery Robbery was not a crime. The victim could sue the robber for

up to four times the values of the stolen property.

Robbery is a crime and is punishable by a fine and/ or a prison

sentence.

Failure to pay debts

People owed something had to the person owing them to gain

debt back.

People owed something had to the person owing them to gain debt

back.

Murder Murder is punished by a prison sentence or death.

Women could not inherit property from their husbands

unless it was provided in a will. Children received equal amounts

of the father’s estate.

Standard law allows wives and children to divide an estate. Other directions can be provided for in a

will.

Women’s Rights

All women can own property, make contracts and will, and

bring a lawsuit.

All women can own property, make contracts and wills, bring a lawsuit.

Women are guaranteed the same right as men.

Robbery Robbery was not a crime. The victim could sue the robber for

up to four times the values of the stolen property.

Robbery is a crime and is punishable by a fine and/ or a prison

sentence.

People owed something had to the person owing them to gain

debt back.

People owed something had to the person owing them to gain debt

back.

Murder is punished by a prison sentence or death.

Women could not inherit property from their husbands

unless it was provided in a will. Children received equal amounts

of the father’s estate.

Standard law allows wives and children to divide an estate. Other directions can be provided for in a

will.

Women’s Rights

All women can own property, make contracts and will, and

bring a lawsuit.

All women can own property, make contracts and wills, bring a lawsuit.

Women are guaranteed the same right as men.

Robbery Robbery was not a crime. The victim could sue the robber for

up to four times the values of the stolen property.

Robbery is a crime and is punishable by a fine and/ or a prison

sentence.

People owed something had to the person owing them to gain

debt back.

People owed something had to the person owing them to gain debt

back.

Murder is punished by a prison sentence or death.

Inheritance Women could not inherit property from their husbands

unless it was provided in a will. Children received equal amounts

of the father’s estate.

Standard law allows wives and children to divide an estate. Other directions can be provided for in a

will.

Murder was punished by banishment (cast out)

Empress TheodoraEmpress Theodora1.Ambitious,

powerful, intelligent

2. Tough politician

3. Fought for women’s rights

Byzantine EmperorsByzantine Emperors

• Absolute monarch Autocratic

• Chosen by Divine Right “Christ’s Co-Leader”

• Court ceremony patterned on role of Apostle

ReligionReligionMajor influence upon Orthodox

Christianity– spread Orthodox Christianity to

Russian people

Great Schism - 1054• Split between Church in Rome and

the Church in Constantinople• Political and doctrinal issues

Major difference: Greek Orthodoxy does not recognize Pope.

ROMAN CATHOLICISM (in western Europe)

Pope (Rome)

Services in Latin

Divorce not permitted

Priests (can’t marry)

Use of Icons permitted

GREEK ORTHODOXY (in eastern Europe)

Patriarch (Constantinople)

Services in Greek

Divorce permitted- under certain conditions

Priests (can marry)

Use of Icons not permitted

EconomyEconomy Most advanced economy in

Europe for many centuries

• internationally preferred currency for 700 years

• Constantinople one of the wealthiest cities in the world

Byzantine Byzantine ArtArt A. Grew from art of Ancient

GreeceB. Purpose - glorification of God,

figures of Jesus Christ, the Virgin Mary,

C. Icon: Image used as an object of worship in Orthodox churches and private homes

Cyrillic AlphabetCyrillic Alphabet

•Created alphabet to translate the Bible

•Allowed a vast population of Slavs read the bible.

•Converting many to Christianity

Byzantine EmpireByzantine Empire

Empire lasted 1123 years

• 330 – 1453 AD• Established Eastern

Orthodox Church• Scholars record and

preserve many valuable ancient Greek and Roman texts

External stresses in the 7th and 8th centuries: Muslims take Greater Syria, Egypt, N. Africa; besiege Constantinople twice (679-83 and 717-18).

Decline of EmpireDecline of Empire

IconsIcons

• Small religious Small religious picture used to help picture used to help focus prayer.focus prayer.

• Depict Jesus, Mary, Depict Jesus, Mary, Saints, AngelsSaints, Angels

Iconoclastic ControversyIconoclastic Controversy• Use of icons causes Use of icons causes

big debate.big debate.

• Some people think Some people think idols are false gods.idols are false gods.

• Argument is one major Argument is one major reason for split in reason for split in Church in 1054 AD.Church in 1054 AD.

MosaicsMosaics

• Designs formed by inlaid pieces of stone, Designs formed by inlaid pieces of stone, glass, enamel, etc.glass, enamel, etc.

• Covered floors, walls, ceilings.Covered floors, walls, ceilings.• Usually religious in nature.Usually religious in nature.• Figures appear stiff and artificial (not real)Figures appear stiff and artificial (not real)• Calm faces try to inspire reverence and Calm faces try to inspire reverence and

renouncing earthly pleasures.renouncing earthly pleasures.

JustinianJustinian Theodora Theodora