Chapter Seven: Byzantium

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Chapter SevenByzantium
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• Map
• The Byzantine World

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The Decline of Rome

• Constantinople new Rome
• Geographic advantages
• Ravenna
• Emperor Honorius
• Gothic invasion

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Literature and PhilosophyAugustine of Hippo

• Bishop of Hippo (390)
• The City of God
• Confessions
• Autobiography, self-reflection

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Literature and PhilosophyBoethius

• Goth king Theodoric (522)
• Classical paganism Christianity
• The Consolation of Philosophy
• Issues of human freedom

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The Ascendancy of Byzantium

• Justinian and Theodora
• Restoration of the Empire
• Western Silk Industry
• Revised / Codified Roman Law
• Tribonian
• Code, Pandects, Institutes
• Christian fanaticism
• 25 churches and convents

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Church of Hagia Sophia

• Unified basilica and dome
• Pendentives
• Ethereal light
• Converted to mosque (post 1453)

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• Image 7.2
• Hagia Sophia, exterior view

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• Image 7.3
• Hagia Sophia, interior view

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Ravenna Art and Architecture

• RomanGothicByzantine
• Mosaics of Galla Placidia
• Lunettes, dome
• Neonian Baptistery
• Octagonal
• Mosaics as theology in color

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• Image 7.5
• Christ as the Good Shepherd

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• Image 7.6
• The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence

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• Image 7.7
• Ceiling mosaic of the Orthodox Baptistery

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Church of San Vitale

• Dedicated to Bishop Maximian
• Ivory cathedra
• Octagons, dome
• Program of mosaics
• Christ the Pantocrator
• Justinian as Christ on earth (paten)
• Theodora with chalice

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• Image 7.14
• Church of San Vitale

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• Image 7.16
• Christ enthroned, San Vitale

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• Image 7.17
• Emperor Justinian and courtiers, San Vitale

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• Image 7.18
• Empress Theodora and retinue, San Vitale

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• Image 7.19
• Empress Theodora. Detail, San Vitale

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• Map
• Justinians Empire

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Saint Catherines Monastery at Mount Sinai

• Built by Justinian
• Repository of art and culture
• Codex Sinaiticus
• Vast collection of religious icons

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• Image 7.21
• Fortress monastery of Saint Catherine

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• Image 7.22
• Christ Pantocrater

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Persistence of Byzantine Culture

• Influence on Russian Culture
• Italo-Byzantine Style
• Theological conservatism, aesthetic stability
  (iconography)
• Reinfusion of Greek culture
• Greek refugee scholars
• Classical learning in the Renaissance

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Chapter Seven Discussion Questions

• Explain the difference in worldview between
  Augustine and Boethius. What issues were
  principle to their philosophies? Where did their
  ideologies overlap? Diverge?
• What role did the iconoclastic controversy play
  in the arts of Constantinople and Ravenna? In
  light of this controversy, what is the
  significance of the findings at Saint Catherines
  monastery?
• Reflect on the reciprocal relationships between
  the Byzantine culture (art, religion, politics)
  and other cultures. What did the various cultures
  share with one another? What is the legacy of
  this relationship?