BYZANTINE

The Byzantine Empire was the product of the fall of the Roman Empire. Prior to Rome’s fall, the Empire had been divided between East [i] and west, which was ruled by two separate rulers but was unified politically. 476 CE [ii] marked the death of the Roman Empire. The eastern section was more insulated against outside attacks from Europe thanks to its geography, and thus Byzantine’s growth naturally followed. The empire would ultimately fall from outside pressures that stemmed from competing power. Burdened by debt as a vassal state [iii], the Byzantine Empire eventually fell to the Ottoman Empire following the invasion of Constantinople.

The Byzantine emperor [iv] was an absolute monarch. Under this structure, emperors Michael VIII [v], John V [vi], and Constantine XI [vii] careened the Byzantine Empire into overwhelming debt and exposure to outside influence. The location of Constantinople and the Byzantine Empire created both exposure and protection. Rome eventually fell to barbarian [viii] invaders known as Visigoths [ix], who were a potential threat to the Byzantine Empire. The Ottoman Empire overtook the Byzantine Empire, but extended goodwill prior to invasion through a mutually beneficial agreement which provided the Ottoman Empire tribute and military support. Internal leadership struggles within the Byzantine Empire also proved to be a rival.

The Byzantine Empire has a lasting impact in art, culture, religion, architecture, and legal structure. Under Justinian I, the Byzantine Empire reformed and codified Roman law. This established Byzantine legal code [x] was rational, precise and comprehensive; qualities which have influenced many laws that are in operation today. Christianity was a defining feature of the Byzantine culture. The dedication to religion [xi] allowed for an outward extension of the Byzantine state via monks. Monks and citizens who moved throughout the empire reflected their dedication to Christianity in the architecture and art that can be seen today in structures such as the Hagia Sophia [xii].

The Byzantine Empire was an absolute monarchy [xiii]. In order to become emperor, two avenues [xiv] were most pervasive: hereditary systems or ruling by force. The emperor’s power [xv] included the roles of commander-in-chief of the army, head of the Church, and, most importantly, the head of state. The reigning [xvi] emperor had immense religious significance, and was considered sacred and appointed by God. Below [xvii] the emperor were the finance, judiciary, and military departments. These lower [xviii] offices were either elected or appointed by imperial patronage or by land-owner status. The Byzantine Empire’s strong long-standing [xix] rule was the result of its multi-levelled and geographically distributed government.

The Byzantine Empire benefited [xx] from having Constantinople as its administrative center; isolated from invasion, but central enough for international trade. Ruled under Roman law [xxi], the political institution’s groundwork was pre-established. The Byzantine Empire was a Christian [xxii] state, and therefore pivotal in the Crusades. Muslim armies [xxiii] took Syria, Egypt and North Africa from the Byzantine Empire by the end of the 6th century. The 11th century brought the First Crusade [xxiv] and by the Fourth Crusade [xxv] in 1204, Constantinople was looted. The end of the Fourth Crusade resulted in a fractured government that ultimately resulted in the fall of the Byzantine Empire.

The chief accomplishment [xxvi] of the Byzantine Empire was the preservation of the Roman and Greek Culture. Since the Byzantine Empire was created from the core of the Roman Empire’s foundation, this preservation occurred naturally. However, the empire’s leadership was steadfast in their steps to further preserve [xxvii] the past; such as carrying on the Greek language within their empire. Additional steps to maintain this history included the development of Roman Law into the Byzantine legal code [xxviii]. Given the strategic geographic location of Constantinople, the prominence of trade allowed the culture of the Byzantine Empire to expand well beyond its expansive borders.

The location of the Byzantine Empire and its capital Constantinople cannot be emphasized enough, especially when evaluating the prominent economic success of the state. Trade [xxvix] and commerce were the fuel that allowed for the widespread growth and success of the Byzantine empire. Goods [xxx] flowing from Asia to Europe, and vice versa, found a natural stopping or crossing point in the Byzantine Empire’s vast territory. The Byzantine Empire and its expansion benefited greatly from both land and sea travel. Roman [xxxi] roads allowed for goods to be moved across the empire, and the sea allowed for goods to be moved from its ports.