Roman Empire Continued

I. Theological State

A. Ideal of one emperor and one faith working together in mutual dependence

B. Presents strengths and weaknesses for the empire

II. Challenge of the Monophysites

A. Was Christ Divine and Human?

B. Council of Chalcedon, 451

C. Divisions in the Empire 1. Monophysites vs. Chalcedonians2. Egypt, Palestine, Syria vs. Heartland

III. Glories and Agonies of Justinian and Theodora

A. Constantinople at its height1. 600,000 people2. Great walls, baths, gardens,

churches, hippodrome

3. Blues and Greens B. Justinian’s wars of expansion

1. Stress on finances and society2. Nika riots

a. Theodora saves the day

III. Glories and Agonies of Justinian and Theodora

C. Constantinople rebuilt1. Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sohia, Constantinople 537

Hagia Sophia

interior

Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, 691

Church of St. Basil,

Moscow, 1561

III. Glories and Agonies of Justinian and Theodora

C. Constantinople rebuilt1. Hagia Sophia2. Corpus Juris Civilis

D. Monophysite Split unresolved

IV. Challenge of Islam

A. Romans win a hard-fought victory over Persians1. East Rome at it military height2. But opens the door to Muslim conquests

B. Muslim Empire—another theological state 1. Muhammad (570-632)

C. Monophysite split helps Muslim conquest

IV. Challenge of Islam

D. Effects of Muslim Conquests1. Reduces and eventually destroys East Roman

Empire

2. Christianity becomes a European religiona. East Romans defend Europe with dramatic

defense of Constantinople b. “Greek Fire” used for the first time, 678

V. Iconoclasm and Renewal

A. Roman vulnerability leads to theological doubts1. Icons are portraits of saints, holy men

a. convey spiritual power in private devotions2. Emperor Leo III (717-41) attacks icon worship

B. Military situation improves and icons approved 1. Council of 843 gives the OK 2. Byzantine tradition of art continues

Psalter from the 10th century

Church of St. Clement

Serbia, 13th century