Transcript Byzantium
Byzantine Empire The Roman Empire Divided in 294 Constantine’s City--Constantinopole Barbarian Invasions of the Roman Empire Constantinople: A Greek City (Istanbul Today) Sunset on the “Golden Horn” Emperor Justinian [r. 527-564] Empress Theodora Justinian’s Empire at its Peak Church of Hagia Sophia [Holy Wisdom] Interior of the Church of Hagia Sophia Byzantine & Persian Empires, 6c 6c Arabia: ? A Threat to the Great Empires ? Justinian and Theodora • Reclaimed much of the former Roman Empire. – Including Rome itself. • Formed a Legal Code. – Code of Justinian cleaned up and reorganized Roman laws. • Nika Riots – 1 week riots erupting from a chariot race. • It was Theodora’s suggestion for a strong response which probably saved the Empire. Iconoclasm • Iconoclasm is the deliberate destruction within a culture of the culture's own religious icons. • Started with Leo III and dominated Byzantine Politics during the 8th century. 1054 Schism between Eastern and Western Church. Rome over Constantinople Pope? – What about: Antioch, Jerusalem, and Alexandria • Disputes over other things: – Leaven vs. unleavened bread • Unclean – Holy Trinity---different ideas about what it means! • 1054-Both Religious Leaders excommunicated the other. Basil II AKA the “Bulgar Slayer” • In the 10th & early 11th century, Basil II recharged the empire (which had been slumping.) • His major triumph was against the Bulgars. – He CRUSHED THE Bulgar army and sent a major message. • He blinded 99 of every 100 soldiers of the capture Bulgar army. The 1 was suppose to lead back to the Bulgar Empire. (legend says the Bulgar Emperor had a stroke at the sight of his returning army). Rus and Basil II • Byzantines sold the ideas of the Eastern Church to the Russians. – Prince Vladimir of Kiev • • • • Judaism—lost Jerusalem Islam—no alcohol or pork Christianity---no beauty in west. Festival at Constantinople convinced his reps. The 1st Crusade • The 1st Crusade (which we will discuss in greater detail later) was a major shaper of Byzantine history. – Byzantine Emperor called for assistance from the west against the Muslim/Turks armies within and just outside empire. • Instead, of a few hundred knights, Alexius got thousands of peasants, knights, and priests. – All thanks to Pope Urban II prep talk in 1095 4th Crusade 1201-1204 • Another call to reclaim Holy Land. – Instead, ended with the looting of Constantinople, the removal of the Greek emperor, and the instillation of Latin Emperor. • Greeks would reclaim power in 1261, but the split between the eastern and western church was complete. Fall of the Constantinople • 1453 Constantinople fell to the Ottoman Turks. – Turks led by Mehmet II. • Siege lasted 2 months. Last Emperor, Constantine XI, was never found. • Constantinople became Istanbul. Other fun Byzantine Facts!! • Greek Fire – Napalm like weapon, which was Byzantine secret weapon. – At its height, Byzantines organized Empire into 10 provinces with a general for order and security: called Themes.