Did the Roman Empire Really Fall?

Fall of Rome More reasons than this one, but: Odoacar’s invasion and ousting of the Emperor in 476

Constantine the Great First emperor to…? New imperial residence at Constantinople (seat of Eastern Roman Empire) Later Byzantine Empire

Constantine Cont’d Brought together the Council of Nicea Wrote the Nicene Creed Arianism: divinity of Jesus?

Nicene Creed Adopted in the city of Nicea by the first council in 325 We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen.  We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end.  We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.  Adopted in the city of Nicea by the first council in 325 Adopted in the face of the Arian controversy (started by Arius, a Libyan protestor)- declared that although the Son was divine, he was less divine than the father Written to re-affirm the divinity of Jesus

Justinian (Ruled 527-565) Born a peasant Went to Constantinople to “seek his fortune” Emperor when Byzantine empire reached its peak Married Theodora

Theodora Former burlesque dancer Justinian’s co-empress Shrewd Politician- advisor and co-ruler to Justinian Highly intelligent Wiley and sassy

Hippodrome Blues vs. Greens Thousands stormed the Hippodrome against taxes Both Republicans and Democrats storming the Super Bowl complaining about the same thing Riot- 1/3 of the city lay in ashes Theodora suggests that he bring them to the Hippodrome to compromise, but Justinian orders a massacre

Rebuilding Immediately began refurbishing the city Establish his control Left an incredible architectural legacy Make Constantinople grander than ever Rebuild the Hagia Sophia 6 weeks after riots Completed in 537- largest cathedral until Seville Cathedral (1520)- 1,000 years Less than 6 years to build Great achievement for Justinian and Theodora

Justinian’s Code Reforming the law Commission to collect, revise and organize all the laws of ancient Rome Had an impact on lawmakers in Western Europe

Absolute Power Used law to unify empire Autocrat- sole ruler with complete authority Church and State

Collapse Seljuk Turks- call for help sparked First Crusade 4th Crusade: W. Christians took Constantinople Then threat from Ottoman Turks and eventual collapse

Legacy Blended Christian religious beliefs with Greek science, philosophy, arts, and literature Icons Mosaics Architecture Historians (male and female)

Byzantine christianity- two-column notes Turn to page 285 in the yellow textbook Fill out the “Byzantine Christianity 2-Column Notes” on page 4 in your packet using the section on Byzantine Christianity