Byzantine Contributions to Western Civilization

Codified 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

• Hagia Sophia - Christ

12th century 10th century-frescoe

mosaic

Mosaics in Ravenna – San Vitale 6th century

Part of an Ivory Diptych

• 6th century

10th century

ivory

Da Vinci

Italian Renaissance 16thc.

Italian

Renaissance

van Eyck

15thc.

St. Mark’s-Venice The Byzantine Influence