Unlike other empires there is no clear starting date
Continuation of the Roman Empire Some historians date the beginning
to 330 C.E. when Constantine established at new capital,
Constantinople.
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Geography Roman Empire divides in ca. 395 and ends in 476 in
the west. Eastern half of the Roman Empire included Egypt, Greece,
Syria, and Anatolia. Was wealthier, more urban and more
cosmopolitan than the west. Had access to the Black and
Mediterranean seas.
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Emperor Justinian (527-565) Attempted to reconquer the
Mediterranean basin. Reformed administrative system appointed
general civil authority in the empires provinces. Navy and merchant
vessels where active in the Mediterranean and Black seas.
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Emperor Justinian (527-565)
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7 th Century-1204 The Middle
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Byzantine State Political authority was highly centralized
Emperor claimed to govern all creation as Gods worldly
representative and sole ruler of the world Aristocrats trained in
classical Greek studies and held an elite status. Splendor of the
imperial court only touched lightly on the lives of most
people.
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Conversion of Russia in 988 Kiev was a trading city on the
Dnieper River. Late tenth century, Prince Vladimir of Kiev accepts
Eastern Orthodox as the faith to unify diverse people and
religions. Borrowed Byzantine architectural styles, Cyrillic
alphabet, use of icons, and imperial control of the Church.
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Religion Caesaropapism Emperor was BOTH the caesar and the pope
The emperor appointed the patriarch (leader of the Orthodox Church)
and treated the church as a government department. A network of
bishops and priests brought the message of church to every corner
of the empire.
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Eastern Orthodox Christianity Pervasive influence on every
aspect of Byzantine life. Provided a cultural identity for the
empires subjects. More than being Roman they were
right-thinking
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What do you notice about Byzantine art and architecture?
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Orthodoxy vs. Catholicism Both believed in the teachings of
Jesus; the Bible; sacraments; and church hierarchy.
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Orthodoxy vs. Catholicism Eastern Orthodox Roman Catholic
Centered in the Byzantine Empire Greek language Mary gave birth to
human Jesus who later becomes the temple of God Priests grew long
beards and married. Rejected the authority of the pope as the sole
authority of Christians everywhere. Centered in Rome Latin language
Jesus is the son of God. Priest shaved and were suppose to remain
celibate
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1054: Great Schism Both churches excommunicated each other,
declaring that the others were not true Christians. Matters got
worse with the Crusades of 1095 and 1204.
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1204-1453 The End
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Byzantium World Transmitted Greek learning to the Islamic
world. Spread religious culture to Slavic people in the Balkans and
Russia. Shared the Cyrillic script which made it possible to
translate the Bible into other languages.
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Byzantium World Continued military and political struggles with
Persian Empire ( Sassanid) Military innovation Greek Fire Central
player in long-distance trade of Eurasia. Bezantgold coin was used
as currency in the Mediterranean basin for 500 years. Produced
luxury goodsjewelry, gemstones, silver and gold work, linen and
wool textiles, and silk.
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The end After 1085, Byzantine territory shrank due to the
Catholic Crusades and Turk invasions. 1453 Ottoman Turks sack
Constantinople.
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And the entire city was to be seen in the tents of the
[Turkish] camp, the city deserted, lying lifeless, naked,
soundless, without either form or beauty. O city, head of all
cities, center of the four corners of the world, pride of the
Romans, civilizer of the barbarians Where is your beauty, O
paradise? Where are the bodies of the Apostle of my Lord? Where are
the relics of the saints, those of the martyrs? Where are the
remains of Constantine the Great and the other emperors?Oh, what a
loss! 4