Byzantine Contributions to Western Civilization

Byzantine Contributions to Western CivilizationCodified Roman Law
• Under Emperor Justinian, Byzantine legal experts collected and arranged Roman law.
• Main source of law remained enactments of emperors
• Laws became more extensive, regulating the main aspects of public, private, economic and social life.
• For 100 years, from Diocletian to Theodosius, over 2000 laws were issued.
Preserved Ancient Greek Civilization A Bridge to Antiquity
• Byzantine culture represented a continuation of classical knowledge, especially its Greek and Hellenistic aspects.
• The Byzantines spoke Greek.
• At the University of Constantinople, scholars cherished ancient manuscripts and studied classical literature, philosophy and science.
• Thanks to Byzantine scholars, writings of the ancient Greeks were preserved for future generations.
Byzantine Culture Spread
• Outside the Empire
• It fascinated and captivated peoples in Russia and in the Balkans, forming the foundation of their civilizations.
• In western Europe, Byzantine classical knowledge helped stimulate the revival of learning during the Later Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Fostered Architecture and Art
• In construction and decoration, the Byzantines made many original contributions.
• Their architects combined features of Greco-Roman and Persian architecture by devising a new structure – a rectangular building topped by a round dome.
• Their artists adorned building interiors with brilliant mosaics – images consisting of small colored stones, tile and colored glass fitted together to form pictures or designs.
• Great skill and artistry went into the portrayal of biblical stories and historical episodes.
Architecture and Art continued.
• Hagia Sofia, the famous church erected in the fifth century A.D. at Constantinople by Emperor Justinian, is a noteworthy example of Byzantine architecture and art.
• Its plain but massive exterior contrasts with its sparkling and magnificent interior.
• Byzantine artisans also produced gold, silver and glass objects that rank as works of art.
Shielded Western Europe
• Because of its location, the Byzantine Empire received the first blows of invaders coming from the east, especially the Arabs and the Turks.
• By resisting these invaders, Byzantine forces indirectly were defending western Europe.
Byzantine Art
Part of an Ivory Diptych
• 6th century
10th century