Byzantine Empire Overview and Key Concepts

Overview of Byzantine Empire and the Transition from the Roman Empire
Key Events

  • 313: Edict of Milan

    • Issued by Emperor Constantine, granting religious tolerance for Christianity.

  • 324: Constantine moves the capital to Byzantium, renaming it Constantinople (modern Istanbul).

  • 380: Christianity established as the state religion under Theodosius I.

  • 410: Rome sacked by the Visigoths.

  • 476: Fall of the Western Roman Empire; last emperor, Romulus Augustulus, deposed by Odoacer.

  • 493-526: Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths, rules in Ravenna.

  • 540: Justinian I captures Ravenna.

Comprehensive Timeline (Zoom Out)

  • 313 CE: Edict of Milan grants religious tolerance for Christianity.

  • 324 CE: Constantinople becomes the new capital of the Roman Empire.

  • 380 CE: Christianity declared the state religion under Theodosius I.

  • 476 CE: Western Roman Empire falls.

  • 527-565 CE: Reign of Justinian I, a period of military expansion and architectural projects (e.g., Hagia Sophia).

  • 532-537 CE: Construction of the Hagia Sophia.

  • 540 CE: Justinian I captures Ravenna from the Ostrogoths.

  • 520-550 CE: Construction of San Vitale in Ravenna.

  • 730 CE: Emperor Leo III initiates Iconoclasm, banning religious images.

  • 843 CE: Triumph of Orthodoxy, marking the official return and veneration of icons.

  • 1204 CE: Fourth Crusade sacks Constantinople.

  • 1261 CE: Recapture of Constantinople by the Byzantines.

  • 1453 CE: Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks, ending the Byzantine Empire.

Geography of Empires

  • Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire and Ostrogothic Kingdom:

    • Map illustrating approximate boundaries around 528 CE.

    • Key cities include Constantinople and Ravenna.

Major Periods of the Byzantine Empire

  1. Early Byzantine Period (527-726)

    • Dominated by Justinian I’s reign and the rise of Iconoclasm.

  2. Middle Byzantine Period (843-1204)

    • Marked by the Triumph of Orthodoxy and the sack of Constantinople.

  3. Late Byzantine Period (1261-1453)

    • Includes the recapture of Constantinople and eventual fall to the Ottoman Turks.

Justinian I and His Empire
Achievements of Justinian I (527-565)

  • Considered a world conqueror, marked by military ambitions to restore the Roman Empire's former territories.

  • Undertook a grand building program, famous for constructions like the Hagia Sophia and San Vitale.

Notable Art and Artifacts

  • Barberini Ivory (mid-sixth century):

    • Represents Justinian as a victorious emperor. Symbolically decorated with religious elements.

    • Jesus portrayed as Lord of the universe.

  • Saint Michael the Archangel:

    • Early sixth-century ivory diptych measuring 17" x 5.5". Depicts Christian victory and intercession.

Architectural Innovations
Hagia Sophia

  • Designers: Anthemius of Tralles and Isidorus of Miletus; built 532-537.

  • Architectural Features:

    • Central plan resembling ancient tombs; specifically designed to capture ‘heavenly light.’

    • Dome dimensions: height of 182 feet, diameter of 108 feet.

    • Features such as pendentives which allow the dome to rest on a square base successfully.

Interior of Hagia Sophia

  • Described as having a floating dome with 40 windows.

  • Symbolism: Jesus as “light of men, shining in darkness” (John1:4−9John 1:4-9).

  • Decorative elements include gold mosaics that assert the grandeur, surpassing even Solomon.

San Vitale

  • Constructed between 520-550 in Ravenna:

    • Features a central dome area flanked by exedrae and apsidal chapels.

    • Mosaics include Christ between two angels, and notable figures such as Justinian and Theodora depicted within the context of the Church.

Iconography and Icons

  • Iconoclasm:

    • A significant conflict over the use of religious images.

    • Started with a ban on icons in 730 by Emperor Leo III, which led to a deep divide.

  • Arguments For and Against Icons:

    • Iconophiles (Iconodules): Believed icons were essential as representations of Christ and saints.

    • Iconoclasts: Opposed icons, equating their reverence to idolatry, which conflicted with interpretations of Biblical commandments.

    • The outcome of this conflict oscillated with periodic reinstatement and removal of icons, culminating in the Triumph of Orthodoxy in 843 under Theodora and Michael III.

Artistic Styles and Texts

  • Vienna Genesis:

    • Notable manuscripts with illustrations such as Rebecca and Eliezer at the well and Jacob Wrestling with an Angel, showcasing biblical narratives with detailed color palettes.

  • Rabbula Gospels:

    • Significant for the depiction of the Ascension and Crucifixion, representing a continuation of rich theological and artistic traditions.

Conclusion

  • The Byzantine Empire served as a critical cultural and religious intermediary between the ancient world and the emerging medieval Europe, characterized by its unique blend of classical and Christian traditions, political evolution, and religious controversies.