What were the distinguishing features of the Byzantine Empire and Byzantine civilization? What was the significance of the civilization for the wider world of the middle ages and beyond?

The Byzantine Empire

The period spanned by the Byzantine Empire is largely associated with the rule of Constantine , who was emperor from 306 AD until 337 . It is with the first year of Constantine 's rule that Gregory (2005 ) sets the starting date of the Byzantine Empire however , other typically set this starting date later , even as late as 324 AD . Gregory points out , however , that the Byzantine Empire does not have a proper `beginning ' since it was , in fact , the continuation of the Roman state (p . 21 . To a certain extent , Constantine

built his success on the changes that Diocletian had initiated before him (Gregory , 2005

The Byzantine Empire period is split into three different sections Early , Middle , and Late . Each of these periods have notable events that occurred , some of which still have influence today . For example , during the Early period Rome was sacked , the city of Constantinople was founded , and Orthodox Christianity took root in Georgia . At the end of this period , Charlemagne was crowned emperor by Pope Leo III . During the Middle Byzantine period , the religious icons that had been ed destroyed in the Early period were restored , William the Conqueror takes power in England , and the Crusades take place , in addition , King John and his nobles sign the Magna Carta in 1215 . Finally , in the Late Byzantine period , Constantinople changes hands once again and the empire itself crumbles . In 1453 , the Ottoman Turks retake Constantinople for the final time , after which it is renamed Istanbul

Many of the events that took place during the Byzantine periods in history were related to religion . Religious issues were intimately connected with politics , as when Irene became emperor of the realm after the death of her husband , Constantine VI and her later deposition following the coronation of Charlemagne in 800 AD (Gregory , 2005 ,

br 200 . The Crusades were waged in the name of religion , as well . What is interesting is the manner in which these two forces worked , both in concert and in opposition , to form the Christianity that is in place today . In addition , it is interesting to see how political alliances and enmities were formed over these dual issues , some of which--such as the real and political battles between the Greeks and the Turks over Istanbul--are still being actively pursued in today 's modern world

Reference

Gregory , T (2005 . History of Byzantium : 306-1453 . Malden , MA Blackwell Publishing...