Iconoclasm in the Early Middle Ages and the Present
Iconoclasm refers to the opposition and destruction of religious images by religious and imperial authorities. It is believed that Byzantine iconoclasm occurred in two waves, the first being during the 8th century and the second during the 9th century. There are many theories as to how and why iconoclasm started during the Byzantine Era and these will be debated. The methods and reasons of Byzantine iconoclasm will also be compared to modern day iconoclasm.
Although the actual year is disputed, the first Byzantine iconoclasm is believed to have started with Emperor Leo III around 723-725. (pg. 53) There are many different written sources that discuss what actually happened during this time, however not all coincide with each other completely. Nicephorous of Constantinople recalls the events in his “Short History” during the late 780’s making it one of the closest sources to the actual events. (pg. 53) He states that Leo heard volcanic eruptions on the islands of Thera and Therasia and he took these eruptions as a merciless sign from God and ultimately began planning the removal of icons. (pg. 53) In another source, “The Chronicle”, Theophane also mentions that Emperor Leo hears the volcanic eruptions on the islands, and states that he understood the Godly symbol as reassuring that what he was already doing was the right thing. Theophane states that before this eruption, Leo had met with a Jewish wizard who had promised him a reign of forty years if he removed the holy icons from churches. (pg. 53) This source however was written around 815, so it is uncertain how accurate Theophanes reports are. Theophane also stated that there was much opposition to Leo’s views from people...
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...rulers were unsuccessful and that iconophobic views would help strengthen the Byzantine Empire. (pg. 247) Under Leo’s command a council was assembled and met at Hagia Sophia three times to discuss the matter of icons. (pg. 249) Leo’s report was read and those who did not agree with it were spit on, beaten, or dismissed from the council. (pg. 247) On the third day a proposal was created and approved in favor of iconoclasm. (pg. 247) The previous teachings of Hieria were subjected as being right in which they stated that “images are essentially idols, icons of Christ either circumscribe his uncircumscribable divinity or split his divine and human natures, and images cannot convey the resurrected glory of saints”. (pg. 247) Although Leo had suggested that images be removed from reach in churches, the council had not done much to actually engage in iconoclasm. (pg. 250)
After the Edict of Milan was established, towns went under a slow transformation. Although it continued to focus of urban life, many temples were slowly replaced by Christian buildings. The Emperor highly encouraged Christian art and architecture. Theodosius I, the last Roman Emperor, acknowledged Christianity as the state religion in 380. Art was no longer created secretly underground or hidden inside of churches; it could be displayed openly in front of the public. For the first time, several basilicas were built openly for Christian worship and inside those basilicas, paintings and mosaics of biblical stories were created to be viewed publicly. The Edict of Milan made the Roman Empire become a huge contributor to Christian art and architecture and it created an tremendous revolution in history.
The Hagia Sophia is a stunning, spherical-shaped building made of marble and gold (Doc. 4). Justinian built the Hagia Sophia, which means “Holy Wisdom” in Greek, after a church of the same name was destroyed in riots in Constantinople (outside information). Procopius, Justinian’s court historian, described the church as “suspended from heaven by the fabled golden chain” (Doc. 4). Undoubtedly, visitors to the Hagia Sophia are left breathless by its beauty (outside information). Other churches that Justinian built include the Church of St. Salvator in Chora and the Church of the Apostles (Doc. 5). Justinian’s churches were beautiful; however, they were created to be more than just a display. The churches caused people to feel a connection with God, which helped unify the empire under a single faith. The bonding of the Romans under one faith helped strengthen the entire empire. Moreover, the abundance of churches in Constantinople helped make the city the center of religious power (Doc. 5). Evidence of Justinian’s legacy can be found when one realizes that the Byzantine Empire’s revived culture influenced Orthodox Christianity, a major branch of modern
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Flood explains the origin of Islamic iconoclasm through a quote by K.A.C. Creswell stating, "the inherent temperamental dislike of Semitic races for representational art" and believes iconoclasm is contested among Muslims as well. The Hadith, which is the narrative of the Prophet's life forbids "all representations that have shadows (whose defacement is obligatory), and some schools of thought go so far as to liken artists to polytheists." Although the impact of iconoclasm depends on the time and place in which it occurred, the Hadith definitely helped to promote "the eschewal of figural imagery" and "the destruction or mutilation of existing figural imagery." In 696-697 figural imagery was repla...
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What is ideology? How can it help us understand media? Use academic literature to support your argument.