acc mid term wh study guide
Ch. 13 – Byzantine Empire
Government Structure: The Byzantine Empire maintained a centralized imperial government, inheriting the administrative traditions of the Roman Empire. The emperor held absolute political and religious authority, a concept known as caesaropapism, where the emperor was seen as both head of state and protector of the Church.
Justinian I and Theodora:
Justinian I (reigned – CE) was one of the most significant Byzantine emperors. His greatest accomplishments include:
The codification of Roman law into the Corpus Juris Civilis (Justinian's Code), which became the foundation for legal systems in much of Europe.
Extensive military campaigns aimed at reconquering lost Western Roman territories, particularly in Italy and North Africa.
Commissioning magnificent architectural projects, most notably the Hagia Sophia.
Theodora was Justinian's empress and a powerful, influential advisor. She played a crucial role in political decisions, advocating for women's rights and influencing religious policies, notably during the Nika Riots.
Justinian's Impact: His legal code profoundly influenced future legal systems across Europe for centuries. His architectural legacy, especially the Hagia Sophia, set new standards for religious architecture. His attempts to restore the Roman Empire, though ultimately unsustainable, showcased Byzantium's ambition and strength.
Hagia Sophia: Meaning "Holy Wisdom," the Hagia Sophia is a monumental cathedral built in Constantinople under Justinian's patronage. It was an architectural marvel of its time, famed for its massive dome and intricate mosaics, symbolizing the wealth and power of the Byzantine Empire and Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
Official Religion and Schism:
The official religion was Eastern Orthodox Christianity. It differed from Western Roman Catholicism primarily in:
The rejection of the Pope's universal authority (seeing him as merely "first among equals").
The use of icons (images of saints, particularly in devotion), which led to periods of Iconoclasm (the destruction or prohibition of religious images).
Theological differences, such as the filioque clause (the phrase "and the Son" added to the Nicene Creed by the Western Church).
Schism refers to the formal split or division within a religious body. The Great Schism of 1054 officially divided Christianity into the Roman Catholic Church (West) and the Eastern Orthodox Church (East).
Main Cultural Influences: Byzantine culture was a blend of Greco-Roman traditions, Christian theology, and oriental influences. It preserved Greek language and classical learning while integrating Christian dogma and Eastern artistic styles.
Regions of Cultural Influence: Byzantium exerted major cultural influence on Eastern Europe (especially the Slavic peoples), Russia, and parts of the Middle East, primarily through the spread of Eastern Orthodox Christianity, art, architecture, and legal principles.
St. Cyril: St. Cyril was a Byzantine missionary (along with his brother Methodius) sent to evangelize the Slavic peoples in the th century. His lasting contribution was the development of the Cyrillic alphabet, which enabled the translation of religious texts into Slavic languages and is still used by many Slavic nations today (e.g., Russia, Bulgaria, Serbia).
End of the Empire: The Byzantine Empire gradually declined over centuries due to internal strife, religious conflicts, and external invasions. Its ultimate end came with the Fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, bringing an end to over a thousand years of Byzantine rule.
Ch. 13 – Renaissance
Powerful States in Europe: After recovering from the Black Death, several states emerged as powerful entities:
Italian city-states (e.g., Florence, Venice, Milan) became centers of trade, banking, and artistic innovation.
France, under increasingly centralized monarchies.
England, developing a strong national identity after the Hundred Years' War.
Spain, unified under the Catholic Monarchs and launching global explorations.
Inspiration for the Renaissance: The Renaissance ("rebirth") was inspired by a renewed interest in and study of classical Greek and Roman texts, art, and philosophy following the Middle Ages. Key drivers included the recovery of ancient manuscripts, expanded trade and wealth, and the rise of humanism.
Renaissance Art:
Special Characteristics: Renaissance art emphasized realism, naturalism, human emotion, and classical ideals of beauty and proportion. It focused on the human form and its place in the world.
Difference from Medieval Art: Unlike medieval art, which was largely symbolic, flat, and focused on religious devotion, Renaissance art incorporated three-dimensional space, linear perspective, and individualistic portrayal.
Techniques and Elements: Artists developed techniques such as:
Linear perspective: Creating the illusion of depth on a flat surface.
Sfumato: A soft, hazy transition between colors and tones, often seen in Leonardo's work.
Chiaroscuro: The use of strong contrasts between light and dark to create volume and dramatic effect.
Contrapposto: A natural pose where the human figure shifts its weight, giving a more dynamic and realistic appearance.
Specific Major Artists: Key figures include:
Leonardo da Vinci: Painter (Mona Lisa, The Last Supper), inventor, scientist.
Michelangelo: Sculptor (David, Pietà), painter (Sistine Chapel ceiling), architect.
Raphael: Painter (School of Athens).
Donatello: Sculptor (bronze David).
Humanism: Humanism was an intellectual and cultural movement central to the Renaissance. It emphasized the value and agency of human beings, preferring critical thought and empirical evidence over established doctrine. It involved the study of classical antiquity (grammar, rhetoric, poetry, history, moral philosophy).
Humanist Beliefs: Humanists believed in the potential for human achievement and progress. They advocated for a broad education that would cultivate a well-rounded individual (the "Renaissance Man"). They saw no conflict between human pursuits (e.g., art, science, philosophy) and Christian faith, striving for moral and intellectual excellence in this life.
Shakespeare's Literature: William Shakespeare's plays (comedies, tragedies, histories) were an important part of the Renaissance because they explored the full spectrum of human experience, emotion, and psychological depth with unparalleled insight. His works transcended national boundaries and shaped the English language, reflecting the humanist focus on individuals and worldly concerns.
Vernacular: Vernacular refers to the native language or dialect spoken by the ordinary people in a particular country or region, as opposed to a classical language (like Latin) or a formal literary language. The use of vernacular in literature (e.g., Dante, Chaucer, Shakespeare) made texts accessible to a wider audience, contributing to national identities and literacy.
Niccolo Machiavelli: Niccolo Machiavelli was an Italian diplomat, philosopher, and writer from Florence. He is best known for his political treatise, The Prince (). Its significance lies in its starkly realistic and amoral approach to political power, arguing that rulers should be willing to use cunning, deceit, and force to maintain control, often summarized by the phrase "the end justifies the means." It offered a departure from idealistic political theory.
Eastern Orthodox Christianity and the Byzantine imperial system would become the model for which nation (also contributing the Cyrillic alphabet they would use with their language)?
Correct answer:
Russia
England
, Not Selected
China
, Not Selected
Italy
, Not Selected
Results for question 2.
2
16 / 16 points
Matching
Match each correctly to its best answer.
Huge amphitheater that held 60,000 people and hosted intense chariot races
Correct match:
Hippodrome
Result of Eastern Orthodox Church splitting from the Roman Catholic Church
Correct match:
schism
Famous “church of holy wisdom” that was groundbreaking architecture
Correct match:
Hagia Sophia
Person who opposes religious images in fear that people will worship it instead of the sacred figure it was representing
Correct match:
iconoclast
Muslim empire that ultimately took over and extinguished the Byzantine Empire
Correct match:
Ottoman Turks
Wife of the emperor who convinced her husband to stand strong during the Nika Revolt; also helped establish many churches and monasteries
Correct match:
Theodora
Emperor known for codification of Roman law, which would eventually become the basis of the legal system in all of continental Europe
Correct match:
Justinian
Plague outbreak that would migrate from central Asia to Europe, devastating populations in its wake
Correct match:
Black Death
Results for question 3.
3
2 / 2 points
Multiple Choice
1. The Byzantine Empire considered itself the _______________ Roman Empire.
West
, Not Selected
South
, Not Selected
Correct answer:
East
North