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Byzantine Christianity

Eastern Church

The eastern Church became known as the Eastern, or Greek, Orthodox Church. The main language of this church was Greek. This church placed an emphasis on Easter instead of Christmas. Also member of the Eastern clearly were permitted to marry.

Western Church The Western Church was also known as the Roman Catholic Church. The main language of the western Church was Latin. Their holiest day out of the year was the holiday of Christmas. As well as, members of the clergy could not marry.

The Great Schism The Great Schism was a split between the eastern and western churches. This split was provoked by many controversies. But the main cause for the Great Schism was when the Byzantine emperor outlawed the use of icons. The result of the great schism was the Eastern, or Greek, Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

Justinian and Theodora

Justinian

Justinian was the emperor that the Byzantine Empire reached its peak under. He accomplished many things during his ruling. For example, he built the Hagia Sophia, wrote Justinian's Laws and ruled as an autocrat. Justinian left a lasting legacy on the Byzantine Empire and his successes would leave a lasting effect on society.

Theodora Theodora was the wife of Justinian. She was a shrewd politician, she served as advisor and co-ruler to Justinian and even pursued her own policies. She started at the bottom of society and worked her way up to the top. Her most dramatic act came when she convinced her husband to stay and crush the Constantinople revolt.

http://www.britannica.com/biography/Justinian-I

http://www.roman-emperors.org/dora.htm

Economic and Political Strength

Economic

The Byzantine had a strong central government which allowed the government to flourish. Peasants worked the land, paid taxes, and served in the military. Trade and industry flourished in the cities. Byzantine preserved a healthy money economy. The gold stamp circulated from England to China.

Military The Byzantines had one of the strongest government in the world. Soldiers, ships and sailors protected the empire and fortifications protected its capital. The Byzantines also had a secret weapon know as Greek fire. Greek fire was a liquid that would ignite on contact and the fire couldn't be put out by water.

Art Contributions from the Byzantine Empire

Hagia Sophia This church was built by Justinian. The church stands at cultural and geographic crossroads. Despite the warfare and invasions the Hagia Sophia has stayed intact. It has served as Eastern Orthodox cathedral, a Roman Christian cathedral, and an Islamic mosque. The inside reflects the Christian and Muslim heritage.

http://www.teslasociety.com/hagiasophia.htm

Art Contributions Byzantine artists made unique contributions especially in religious art and architecture. Icons, designed to evoke the presence of God, gave viewers a sense of personal contact with the sacred. Mosaics brought scenes from the Bible to life.

http://eilat-petra.com/byzantine-mosaic-the-church-petra/

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_2E0RxVHH4