The Byzantine Empire existed for more than a thousand years, from the 4th to 15th century AD. Established as the eastern part of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire developed its own unique characteristics.All About Turkey: Byzantine Empire While the western part of the Roman Empire stumbled and eventually collapsed under the thrust of the barbarians, the Byzantine Empire in the east continued until the Ottoman Empire overran it in the 15th Century.Washington State University: The Byzantines
Fast Facts:
- Lasted from 330 to 1453
- The first Emperor to receive crown from Church was Leo I, in 457
- In 550 began silk production with silk worms smuggled from China
- In 6th century, Greek replaces Latin as official language
- Early humanism in 12th century sees revival of interest in classical authors
The Schism
The decisive event that caused the rupture between Eastern and Western part of Christianity was the Great Schism in 1054. Although ostensibly about religion, the division had less to do with religious questions and more with the politics of power.Catholic Encyclopedia: The Eastern Schism
The Fourth Crusade
The relations between Christians in the East and Christians in the West soured further as a consequence of the Fourth Crusade (1202–1204). Instead of conquering Muslim Jerusalem, the crusaders conquered and sacked Constantinople. In April 2004, the Orthodox Ecumenical Patriarch formally accepted the apology of the Catholic Church for the events of the Fourth Crusade.
