Byzantine Empire
By Brigid Kennedy
Location Setting
The strategic location of Byzantium was great. The city had water that protected all 3 sides. They had triple walls that protected it on the side that it was open for attack by land and eventually, Constantinople still felt that north side needed more protection so he strung a long chain across the deep harbor.
Government
Religion
In the western empire the center of the religion was in Rome. The head of the church was the pope and the services were conducted and Latin. The pope felt that he should be the supreme leader of the entire church. The pope was not allowed to marry and divorce is not aloud. In the Roman Catholic Church icons were used as religious symbols but they were not worship.
Over time, differences between the Eastern Western churches continued to grow. In 1054, matters came to head when the pope and patriarch excommunicated each other in a dispute over religious doctrine. This cause Christianity to permanently divide between the Roman Catholic Church in the West and Orthodox Church and east.
Eastern Orthodox Church
Western and Eastern Rome
Roman Catholic Church
Art and Archetecture
In Byzantium, architecture was a strength. The Byzantines mastered the art of building new roads, fortresses, aqueducts, domes, monasteries, and other buildings. When the most famous buildings that was built is the Hagia Sophia. The Hagia Sophia is one of the most largest and beautiful churches in the Empire. Hagia Sophia still stands today as one of the world's greatest architectural landmarks. The style of byzantine architecture is still used today and cities and towns of North America.
Places to Visit