Byzantine empire (jan 1, 395 – jan 1, 1453)

Description:

Established by old Roman Emperor, after Rome fell.

•Christianity=official religion (later orthodox)

•Lots of military pressure from north+south

•Islam posed religious+political challenge--> territorial losses and large population conversions (undermined power)

•Religious center=east and western Europe follow religious guidance of Patriarch of Constantinople (appointed by Byz emporer)

•When a schism formed between Latin church (roman catholic) and Orthodox, Byzantine switched to Orthodox

•Focus on Constantinople-->poverty in other cities, way behind agriculturally

•Slowly deteriorated (lots of crime and aforementioned poverty), but hid it (especially after the 11th century)

•Lots of artistic creativity and strong Western Europe influences

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