WEST CIV FINAL: The Fall of Byzantium and the Italian Renaissance

First Crusade

Date: 11th century

Fact: was launched by Pope Urban II to reclaim Jerusalem and the Holy Land from Muslim control.

Significance: It resulted in the capture of Jerusalem and the establishment of Crusader states, creating long-lasting religious and political tensions between Christians and Muslims.

East-West Schism

Date: 11th century

Fact: the formal split between the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East.

Significance: It marked a permanent division in Christianity over issues like the authority of the pope and differences in worship and doctrine.

Filioque

Date: 6th century

Fact: refers to the phrase "and the Son," added to state that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son.

Significance: This addition became a major theological disagreement between Eastern and Western churches, contributing to the East-West Schism.

Fourth Crusade

Date: 13th century

Fact: was originally intended to attack Muslim-held Egypt but ended up attacking Christian cities instead.

Significance: It infamously led to the sack of Constantinople, worsening relations between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

Zara

Date: 13th century

Fact: a Christian city attacked by Crusaders at the start of the Fourth Crusade under pressure from the Venetians.

Significance: The attack marked the first time Crusaders fought other Christians, foreshadowing the later assault on Constantinople and damaging the moral credibility of the Crusades.

Council of Florence

Date: 15th century

Fact: attempted to reunite the Eastern and Western Christian churches through theological compromise.

Significance: Although some temporary agreements were reached, the reunion ultimately failed, but the council remains one of the last major efforts to heal the East-West divide.