Crash Course Byzantine Empire
The Fall of Rome: An Overview
The traditional narrative implies that Rome fell in 476 CE when the city was conquered by barbarian forces led by Odoacer.
Romulus Augustus was the last Roman Emperor, ruling for less than a year before his ousting.
Earlier sacks of Rome, notably by Alaric the Visigoth in 410 CE, set a precedent for the city's vulnerability.
An alternative viewpoint argues that imperialism created governance challenges, ultimately leading to Rome's decline.
The Eastern Roman Empire: Byzantium
The narrative shifts focus to the Eastern Roman Empire, known as the Byzantine Empire, which survived until the 15th century.
The Byzantine Empire considered itself Roman, despite its citizens primarily speaking Greek.
Constantine moved the capital from Rome to Byzantium (later Constantinople) in 324 CE, capitalizing on the wealthier eastern provinces.
Reasons for Constantine's Move
Strategic location on the Bosphorus Strait for trade and defense.
Better economic conditions in the Eastern provinces compared to the West.
An attempt to align the new Christian religion with eastern governance, demonstrated by the Church Council of Nicaea in 325 CE.
Continuity and Change in Byzantine Society
The Byzantine Empire maintained centralized authoritarian rule akin to that of the Western Roman Empire.
Constant military engagement characterized the Byzantine Empire, with wars against Persian and Islamic empires.
Byzantine wealth stemmed from trade and agriculture, along with a more urbanized society.
Entertainment and Culture
Sports and spectacles were central to Byzantine culture, particularly chariot races at the Hippodrome.
Intense rivalries between sports factions (Blues and Greens) could incite riots, culminating in violence with significant casualties.
Asian Law and Governance
The Byzantine Empire's legacy was heavily influenced by Roman law, exemplified by Emperor Justinian's comprehensive codification.
Justinian I's contributions included the "Digest" and the "Institutes," essential texts for legal education in the Roman tradition.
The "Digest": An extensive collection summarizing Roman legal principles.
The "Institutes": A guide for legal scholars and students.
Justinian's Reign and Architectural Achievements
As a transformative figure, Justinian sought to restore Roman glory, reclaiming territories previously lost.
The Hagia Sophia was constructed under Justinian's directives, exemplifying Byzantine architectural innovation.
Theodora: The Empress
Theodora, Justinian's wife, was a pivotal figure noted for her advocacy of women's rights and her role in political affairs.
Her background as an actress informed her approach to governance and leadership.
Religious Distinctions
The Byzantine Empire followed a different branch of Christianity known as Eastern Orthodox, diverging from Roman Catholicism.
Major doctrinal differences included the dating of Easter and the political structure of church authority.
Pope held authority in the West, while patriarchy in the East was appointed by the Emperor, exemplifying caesaropapism.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Roman Empire
The fall of Rome in 476 CE did not signify the end of the Roman Empire but rather a transformation leading to the Byzantine period, which lasted for nearly a thousand more years.
The influences of the Byzantine Empire persist today, shaping religious, legal, and cultural narratives in modern Europe.