One God, One Empire, One Religion The Byzantine Empire One God, One Empire, One Religion

The Empire

The Eastern Empire Germanic invasions Western Europe Imperial power shifted to the Byzantine Empire (Eastern part of the Roman Empire). Formal division of the empire (late 4th century)

Constantinople Constantinople Sole capitol (Constantine)- 330 C.E. Very successful until the revival of the western empire (8th century)

The Empires Western Eastern Vast geographical area Rural provinces Susceptible to attack Overreliance on Germanic peoples (armies) Smaller, but wealthier More urbanized and defensible Black/Mediterranean Seas (trade) Stronger army/navy Continuation of Roman values/infastructure

The Reign of Justinian Reign of Emperor Justinian (r. 537-565) and his wife Empress Theodora (d. 548)

The Imperial Goal: Unity Centralize government Impose legal and doctrinal conformity Code of Justinian Foundation for most aspects of European law through the 19th century One God One Empire One Religion

Religion Christianity Church became very wealthy Proclaimed the official religion (380 C.E.) All other religions were considered “demented and insane” Church became very wealthy Clergy became “bloated”

Increase in Clergy The prestige and comfort that the clergy enjoyed swelled the ranks of the clergy in the Eastern Church.

The Empire at Its Height The empire was at its height In 565, during Justinian’s reign. It included most of the lands surrounding the Mediterranean Sea.

Contribution to Western Civilization “Protective barrier” Between western Europe and hostile Persian, Arab, and Turkish armies. Major conduit of classical learning and science Provided a model for “civilized” society