Period 3- The Post-Classical Era 500 C.E. – 1450 C.E.
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Period 3- The Post- Classical Era 500 C.E. – 1450 C.E.
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Transcript of Period 3- The Post-Classical Era 500 C.E. – 1450 C.E.
Period 3- The Post-Classical Era
500 C.E. – 1450 C.E.
The Post-Classical Period500 – 1450 CE
Themes that identify the period
1. Overall geographic expansion with more specific civilization centers included.
2. Diffusion of religions/philosophies such as Christianity, Buddhism and Islam.
3. Inter-regional economic & cultural exchange linking Africa, Asia & Europe.
4. The restoration of political order.
Ch.13 – The Byzantine Empire
capital city
Bureaucratic Structure• Centralization under Constantine - moved capital to Constantinople
• Caesaropapism - practice of emperor having both political and religious powers
Bureaucratic Structure continued
• Centralization under Justinian - known for: his laws (Justinian’s Code) and
heavy taxation his wife Theodora and her role
& his building (the Hagia Sophia)
Comparing Law CodeThe Twelve Tables Justinian’s Code
Marriages should not take place between plebeians and patricians. (As time went on, this law was changed. When the tables were first written, this was the law.)
Roman citizens are bound together in lawful matrimony when they are united according to law, the males having attained the age of puberty, and the females a marriageable age, whether they are fathers or sons of a family; but, of the latter, they must first obtain the consent of their parents, in whose power they are. For both natural reason and the law require this consent; so much so, indeed, that it ought to precede the marriage. It is not every women that can be taken as a wife: for marriage with certain classes or persons is forbidden.
Comparing Law CodeThe Twelve Tables Justinian’s Code
If one has maimed another and does not buy his peace, there be retaliation in kind.
Someone who breaks another's bone by hand or club must pay 300 sesterces; for a slave, 150; if he has done simple harm against another, 25.
If a patron defrauds his client, let him be outlawed.
If one has been called to witness, or hold the scales, unless he gives his testimony, let him be dishonored and incapable of further testimony.
The amount of money awarded to a victim of an injury or an outrage rises and falls in amount according to the class and character of the victim. For instance, is the victim holds a government position and is outraged by a person of low social class, the victim is entitled to greater compensation than in the injury was inflicted by another government official.
Economics of the Empire• Agricultural basis - free peasants cultivated land• Theme System organized labor - land exchanged for military service - wealth became concentrated in hands of wealthy landowners• The use of the bezant in the Mediterranean - manufactured goods widely traded - silk, porcelain, jewelry, & agricultural goods
Economics of the Empire• The use of the bezant in the Mediterranean - extensive trade via Silk Roads and sea routes - use of banks and business partnerships encouraged economic growth
Religion in the Empire• Eastern Orthodox Christianity - Constantinople versus Rome - pope no longer ultimate religious authority• Byzantine emperor practices Caesaropapism - appoints patriarchs (regional religious leaders) - Emperor Leo III’s iconoclasm of 8th & 9th century
Social Classes• Free peasantry cultivated land and served in the
military as a result of the theme system.• Generals and aristocrats arranged marriages to
create an elite social class.• Class of slaves not as significant as in former
Roman Empire. Why is this the case?
Intellectual• Greek influence - Greek replaced Latin after 6th century - basic education common among population - education focused on lit., history, and philosophy• University of Constantinople - provided instruction in law, medicine, & philosophy
PART 1 – Questions for Analysis1. How did the political, intellectual, and cultural makeup of the Byzantine Empire compare to that of the western half of the Roman Empire?
2. Examine the reign of Justinian. Explain the main points of the Justinian Code and the corpus iuris civilis. In what ways did Justinian influence history?
PART 2 – Making ConnectionsExplain the relationship between each of the following pairs. Be specific in your response. a. Constantinople & the “third Rome” b. the Theme System & Satrapies
