Byzantine Empire: History and Facts

Introduction

The Byzantine Empire was powerful; led by the head of the empire Justinian, he accomplished many things while he was in the power, when he died the empire declined letting the empire to end.

Background

Justinian was an adopted child, he continue the succession of his uncle Justin. He married Theodora a former dancer and actress.  Theodora was Justinian’s adviser, she help her do major decisions in the empire.

Early Years

The early years of the empire were full of action for Justinian, he was kept busy. He recollected taxes in order to make public building for the good of the empire. Justinian replaced Hypatius with Belisarius (Military officer) during a war with Persians. They won a big invasion force from the Persians, later on the Persian emperor died and his successor Khurso I wanted peace. They agreed in a deal “endless peace” Justinian paid 11,000 gold pounds for peace. Even though, Persians betrayed the deal and later on attacked in A.D 540.

The Nika revolt

The Nika revolt was about to happened, when Justinian wanted to retired but, his best adviser Theodora told him to stayed and fight. As a result, they won and gained land from the Romans even though, in the battle many blood was drop.

Gloomy 540s

The Gloomy 540s was a time of awful events. For example; Europe was destructed when the bubonic plague spread in A.D 542, Theodora died of cancer letting Monophysite and Chalcedonian fight unsolved. As well, as the Armenians and Persian fight broke the “Endless peace”. The broke pact, led Persians to crossed imperial territory exacting money from towns.

Plague

The plague was bubonic, it was not contagious (rats gave the sickness) but the plague was deadly enough. The plague move fast, city to city in the empire.

Law

The Roman law was kind of confusing, that was because Emperors gave new laws that they didn’t archive neither made copies. The conflict happened due the irresponsibility of the Emperors. Theodosius made the “Theodosia code” publish in A.D 438 to prepare a set of laws issued in A.D 312.

Last Years

A wash of misfortune and bad luck arrived in the last years of Justinian’s reign such as: earthquakes, floods, plague, the dome of Justinian’s new Hagia Sophia collapsed and other misfortune events.

FACTS

Today I learn about the Roman law. It was the law used in the city of Rome and after in the Roman Empire that was in force in much supervision until national codes replace these rules in the 18^th-19th centuries.

A fun fact is that even though England didn’t adopt Roman law, they based their legal system in the Roman law. Based on Roman legal tradition, help the English legal system to develop.

Romans were the first people to create law into a science. During a couple of centuries Roman legal science was the most productive (that age is called the classical period of Roman law).

We know about the Roman law due a wealthy variety of written documents. It includes statues, deed and writings of legal scholars. The most important text was name “Corpus luris Civilis”.

Corpus Iuris Civil was a collection of law codes that Justinian control. It’s divided into 3 branches: Institutes, Digest and the Code.

The Gloss is the description of the Corpus Iuris. It has explanations of the Digest and the Code.

The modern law has replaced the Roman today, but is the base of the modern codes use presently.

Pictures Of The Byzantine Art and Church

Enthroned Madonna and Child

Aspects of the technique say that the artist who painted the panel was Greek. In the picture we can see the virgin who indicates the child “shows the way”. With her red shoes and the archangels’ imperial regalia, the elaborate throne underscores Mary’s role as queen.

The Nativity with the Prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel,

The nativity, flanked by Old Testament prophets who foretold the birth of Jesus was on front of the Maesta, the altar piece in Siena cathedral. The pictures shown Virgin Mary with baby Jesus and all the people appreciating Gods son, baby Jesus.

Madonna and child

The artist of this byzantine art was Giotto, an Italian painter.  He shows the reliance on Byzantine traditions such as flat planes, and decorative lines. In the painting we can see human interaction between mother and son. The mother is carrying the child while holding a flower with her other hand. We can see how the child Christ offers a blessing to her mother.

The Crucifixion

Paolo the artist who painted this cruxification shows how Jesus is suffering in the cross while virgin mary, other womens are crying and angels in the sky.

The Calling of the Apostles Peter and Andrew

The artist of this painting was Duccio di Buoninsegna, in the painting is shown apostles Peter and Andrew fishing in the sea. While Jesus is calling them. That’s how the painting gets its name.

Golden Goblet

This golden goblet was found in Albania, is well made and decorated. Is pure gold with some details around the goblet.  Historians agreed that it was made by a Byzantine artist.

Plate with David Anointed by Samuel

This plate was made in Constantinople, is a byzantine culture.  Well done, with many details. This silver plate may be the earliest surviving example of the use of biblical scenes.

Pendant Brooch with Cameo of Enthroned Virgin and Child and Christ Pantokrator

This elegant turquoise pendant is from the byzantine culture. It has many gems of different colors. This pendant displays the Virgin and Child.

The Presentation in the Temple Byzantine Painter, 15th century

This painting was made by a Byzantine Painter, during the 15th century. The picture shows a man that could be God carrying a baby that could be Jesus.

Statuette of the Personification of a City

In this statue we see that it meant a personification of justice or fortune. Historians say that “It is difficult to identify which city is represented by the statuette, but regardless, the sculpture is representative of the small-scale Tyche images found throughout the late Roman and early Byzantine worlds.”

Hagia Sophia

In the Byzantine Empire, emperor Justinian gathers taxes in order to make public buildings such as churches. Hagia Sophia that means “holy Wisdom” was completed in a short period of time. It still remains in use today.

The Collection.2013http://www.nga.gov/collection/gallery/gg1/gg1-10.html