Two Worlds of Christendom

Chapter 16

I. Quest for Political Order• Political challenges in the west led to invaders• Byzantine Empire

– Economically sound capital– Architecturally wealthy

• Caesorpapism-Secular lord but also played a role in church affairs• Justinian & Theodora (Byzantine emperor & wife)-Hagia Sophia-important Christian architecture-Justinian’s CodeCodification of Roman LawInfluenced civil law codes of Europe, US, Japan

II. Muslim Conquest & Byzantine Revival

• Muslim Conquest-Byzantine under Muslim rule for a time- “Greek fire” helps keep Muslims away

• Theme System- Response to Islamic rulers- Province is under a general’s authority- Civil & military responsibility- Free peasants recruited- Received allotments for service

III. Rise of the Franks

• Germanic Kingdoms arise in Roman areas- adopted Christianity- adapt Roman Laws

• Franks-Military & Political Power in W. Europe- Adoption of Christianity led to popularity-Charles Martelstops Muslim

invasiondid not sack further west

III. Rise of the Franks

• Charlemagne- re-establish centralized imperial rule- Intelligent

• Charlemagne’s Administration- Traveled through horseback no

elaborate bureaucracy relied on deputies- Miss dominicienvoys that reviewed

accounts of local authorities

III. Rise of the Franks

• Charlemagne as Emperor- 8000cepope proclaims him emperor,

may not have been planned

IV. Age of Vikings

• Louis the Pious- Surviving son of Charlemagne—>Lost

control of local authorities ended the empire-Louis’ sons split the empire between them warred against each other

• Invasion-Magyars, Vikings (Norse people)-Attacked settlements, cities, and monasteries

IV. Age of Vikings

• Devolution of Political Authority- Since Carolingians had no real

protection regional and local protection- Made it difficult for true imperial rule

V. Two Economies of Early Medieval Europe

• Byzantine Peasantry-Sprouted from theme systemprovided

large agricultural surpluses• Manufacturing

- Supported by agriculture- Glassware, linen, woolen textiles, gems, jewelry

• Silk-major contribution to economy

V. Two Economies of Early Medieval Europe

• Byzantine Trade- Constantinople clearinghouse for W. Eurasia -Traded w/Muslim counterparts-Bezant standard currency in Mediterranean

basin• Heavy Plows

- took more energy but provided greater agricultural production

- Cleared lands for more cultivation

V. Two Economies of Early Medieval Europe

• Trade in Western Christendom- Local markets & fairs- Christian merchants

• Norse Merchant Mariners- Medieval Merchantscargoes fish, furs, wine, honey- silver used for minting coins

VI. Social Development of Two Worlds of Christendom

• Byzantium: Urban Society- most urbanized society, main area, everything

in “ the city”• City Life– Various forms of city centers– Women were highly protected– Artisans lived above their shops– Gov’t official lived in apartments– Poor in tenaments– EVERYONE still wanted to be a part of the CITY

VI. Social Development of Two Worlds of Christendom

• Attractions- Baths- Taverns- Restaurants- Social Gatherings

• Western Europe: Rural Society- agriculture enough for locals, but not enough to support larger populations

VI. Social Development of Two Worlds of Christendom

• The Question of Feudalism- a political and social order of medieval Europe?- supposed hierarchy: Lordsvassalsretainers (lands for

military service)Peasantry- more complex than what was thought

• Peasants- provide agriculture

• Population - Population decline due to economic disease and

political turmoil- 36 mil. In 200ce – 26 mil. In 600ce

VII. Popes and Patriarchs

• The Papacy- Roman empire collapsed but papacy survives as

spiritual authority- 1st close ties w/Byzantine, later more independent,

focus on the west• Pope Gregory I

- Independent course of Roman Church - Papal primacypope supreme authority for ALL

Christians- Enhance Christianity in everyday lives.

VII. Popes and Patriarchs

• Patriarchs- part of the state- caesorpapism now creates tension

• Iconoclasm- Byzantine practice- the ridding of icons (sculptures, images)- created tension

VII. Monks & Missionaries

• Asceticism- holiness rather than world success- celibacy, fasting, prayer

• St. Basil (Byzantine) & St. Benedict (Italy)- reformers- regulations for monasteries - practice mild for of ascetism- gave up their lives, lived in smaller community

VII. Monks & Missionaries

• Monasticism & Society- Social Services counsel, relief efforts, medical, inns, education

• Missionaries

VII. Two Churches• Constantinople and Rome are at odds with each other• Religious Rivalry

- Ritual and Doctrinal differences• Schism

- Patriarch vs. Popesbattled their positions- Patriarch autonomy of Christian Jurisdiction- Popeprimal papacy- East and West go separate ways

excommunicationnot properly Christian- 1054 West known as Roman Catholic Church, East

known as Eastern Orthodox