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Constantinople threatened; armies withdrawn from Italy and North Africa; Vital supply lines for the aqueducts to Rome were cut (Rome was without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?