WotW Chapter 10: Byzantine Christendom- Building on the Roman Past (pgs 415-424)

Summary

This script explores the rise and fall of the Byzantine Empire, emphasizing its continuity from the Roman Empire and its cultural, religious, and political significance. It discusses how the empire's strategic location and military innovations allowed it to thrive, despite territorial losses. The script also delves into the unique relationship between the Byzantine state and the Orthodox Church, highlighting the concept of caesaropapism. It outlines the theological and cultural divergences that led to the Great Schism between Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Catholicism, and the empire's interactions with its neighbors, including the spread of Orthodox Christianity to Russia, which later identified itself as the 'third Rome' after the fall of Constantinople.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Byzantine Empire viewed itself as a continuation of the Roman Empire, with Constantinople as its 'New Rome'.
• 🌐 The empire was more urbanized and wealthier than the Western Roman Empire, with a shorter frontier to defend.
• 🔱 Byzantium's military and diplomatic strategies allowed it to withstand invasions that felled the Western Roman Empire.
• ⛪ The Byzantine Church was closely tied to the state, with the emperor assuming a dual role as both political and religious leader.
• 🎭 Byzantine culture was characterized by its elaborate court ceremonies and a strong emphasis on preserving classical Greco-Roman heritage.
• 📜 Theological disputes and political divisions led to a growing divergence between Eastern Orthodoxy and Western Christianity.
• 🛡 The Byzantine Empire was a significant player in Eurasian trade, with its currency and luxury goods in high demand.
• 🔥 Byzantine military innovations, such as 'Greek fire', were crucial in defending against Arab advances.
• 🌐 The empire's cultural influence extended to the Slavic world, with the Cyrillic script facilitating the spread of Orthodox Christianity.
• 🕍 The conversion of Kievan Rus to Orthodox Christianity in 988 CE had profound implications for Russian history and identity.

Q & A

What was the significance of the contraction of Christianity in Asia and Africa for Europe and Anatolia?

The contraction of Christianity in Asia and Africa left Europe and Anatolia as the centers of Christendom by default, allowing the diverging histories of the Byzantine Empire and Western Europe to take shape within a relatively secure space.

When did the Roman Empire's division into eastern and western halves occur, and what was its impact on Christendom?

The Roman Empire was formally divided into eastern and western halves at the end of the 4th century CE, launching a division of Christendom that has lasted into the twenty-first century.

How did the Byzantine Empire differ from its western counterpart in terms of wealth, urbanization, and defense?

The eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium) was wealthier, more urbanized, and more cosmopolitan than its western counterpart. It had a more defensible capital in Constantinople and a shorter frontier to guard.

What was the Byzantine Empire's approach to preserving the legacy of classical Greco-Roman civilization?

Byzantium consciously sought to preserve the legacy of classical Greco-Roman civilization, with Constantinople being a 'New Rome' and its people referring to themselves as 'Romans'.

What was the relationship between the Byzantine state and the Church, known as caesaropapism?

In Byzantium, the emperor assumed the role of both 'Caesar,' as head of state, and the pope, as head of the Church, appointing the patriarch and treating the Church as a government department.

How did the Byzantine Empire's military innovations, such as 'Greek fire,' impact its ability to defend against external threats?

The Byzantine military innovation known as 'Greek fire' helped hold off Arab advances, operating like a flamethrower and contributing to the empire's ability to defend its core regions.

What was the role of the Byzantine Empire in the long-distance trade of Eurasia?

The Byzantine Empire was a central player in the long-distance trade of Eurasia, with commercial links to Western Europe, Russia, Central Asia, the Islamic world, and China.

How did the conversion of Kievan Rus to Eastern Orthodoxy in 988 impact its civilization?

The conversion of Kievan Rus to Eastern Orthodoxy in 988 brought the civilization firmly into the world of Orthodox Christianity, providing a unified identity and religious legitimacy for its rulers.

What was the 'third Rome' doctrine proclaimed by some Russian church leaders, and what does it signify?

The 'third Rome' doctrine proclaimed by some Russian church leaders signifies that Moscow became the final protector and defender of Orthodox Christianity after the fall of Constantinople to the Turks.

How did the Crusades contribute to the growing divergence between the Eastern Orthodox and Western Catholic Churches?

The Crusades, particularly the Fourth Crusade in 1204, deepened the distrust between the Eastern Orthodox and Western Catholic Churches by involving Western forces in the sacking and looting of Constantinople.

What were some of the cultural and religious borrowings from Byzantium that transformed Kievan Rus?

Kievan Rus borrowed Byzantine architectural styles, the Cyrillic alphabet, the use of icons, a monastic tradition, and political ideals of imperial control of the Church, all of which became part of its transformation.