Chapter 8 The Byzantine Empire and Emerging Europe LESSON 1 – The First Christians LESSON 2 – THE DECLINE OF ROME LESSON 3 – THE EARLY CHRISTIAN CHURCH LESSON 4 – THE AGE OF CHARLEMAGNE LESSON 5 – THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE www.glscott.org

After the Western Roman Empire fell in 476CE the Eastern part continued…We call it: The Byzantine Empire The most famous emperor was named Justinian I, who ruled from 527-565CE www.glscott.org

He wanted to re-establish the Roman Empire in the Mediterranean www.glscott.org

Under Justinian I, the Byzantines: Re-gained much territory of the old Roman Empire (most was lost after his death) Codified old Roman Law: The Body of Civil Law was the last product of Eastern Roman culture to be written in Latin *It is often referred to as Justinian's Code - it was the basis of law in the Eastern Roman Empire It has had great influence on many other legal systems Plague – 10,000/day were dying; broke out every 8-12 years Justinian took steps to create a uniform law code called Justinian’s Code Four Parts: The Code – contained around 5,000 Roman Laws The Digest – Commentary form legal scholars about laws The Institutes – instructed law students on how to use the laws The Novellae – contained laws enacted after 534 Regulated all aspects of life in the Byzantine Empire www.glscott.org

However, the Byzantines (like the Romans) had serious problems: too much territory made it difficult to protect and communicate 2. little $$$$$$$$$$ in the treasury attacks from Persia in the east and from Slavs in the north www.glscott.org

The conflict was mainly due to a disagreement over Papal authority conflict between the Roman Catholic Church in the west and the Eastern Orthodox Church in Byzantium The conflict was mainly due to a disagreement over Papal authority This caused a SCHISM or break between the two branches of Christianity Catholic into Eastern Orthodox Based on St. Basil and St. John Chysostrom (patriarch) Emperors had some powers in the East over patriarchs – in 730, Leo III banned icons (religious images) Many broke into churches to destroy icons Pope (Leader of church in west) supported the use of icons, so he excommunicated the emperor In 1054, the Pope and the Patriarch excommunicated one another, after that the church was permanently split Eastern Orthodox Church (Orthodox - eastern traditional) Roman Catholic Church (Catholic - universal, all-embracing) www.glscott.org

The rise of Islam This was a powerful new force that was threatening the eastern part of the empire www.glscott.org

The Byzantine Empire was a Christian state that spoke Greek Latin, which had always been spoken in Italy during the Roman Empire, fell into disuse Greek became the official language Other characteristics: The Emperor's authority was absolute Constantinople was the largest city in Europe and center of trade www.glscott.org

3. Justinian initiated incredible building projects like the 3. Justinian initiated incredible building projects like the Haggia Sophia www.glscott.org

Revival: in the 10th-11th centuries under Macedonian emperors, Byzantines increased in prosperity until power struggles caused decline Power struggles? www.glscott.org