Byzantine Empire Changes And Continuities Essay

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Recommended: World history - unit 1: byzantine empire

Continuity and Change in Europe and Western Asia

During the sixth and seventh centuries the Byzantine Empire survived waves of attacks, due to efficient leadership and to natural and man-made fortifications around Constantinople (Martin 206). From this strategic point Byzantine emperors organized and preserved old Roman institutions, and the Byzantine Empire survived until 1453. In particular, the emperor Justinian led the creation of the Code, which condensed the legal genius of the Romans into a coherent whole, eliminated outdated laws and oppositions, and clarified the law itself. The survival of Byzantine was sustained on faith of citizens, unique and strong in Roman heritage, beliefs, and learning skills. Christianity offered an individual what city-state and world-state could not, a personal relationship with God, as well as membership in community.

Rome and surrounding lands made up one half ofRoman Empire and Constantinople made up the other half. Emperor Constantine struggled to maintain unity of …show more content…

The Mediterranean served as the highway over which Christianity spread to the cities of the Byzantine Empire. Barbarian kings accepted Christianity because they believed thatChristian God was more powerful than pagan gods. Christianity offered an individual what city-state and world-state could not, a personal relationship with God, and membership in community.During the reign of Diocletian, the Roman Empire was divided for administrative purposes into geographical units called dioceses, and Christianity adopted this pattern. Each diocese was headed by a bishop, responsible for delegating tasks for preaching, teaching, and maintaining orthodox doctrine.The power of bishops in Rome increased as they repeatedly called on emperors for military support against barbarian invaders.They urged other churches to appeal to Rome forresolution of disputed

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