University:
Tyler Junior College
Course:
HIST 1301 | History
Academic year:

2024
Views:

148

Pages:

2
Author:

Dave D.

EMPIRES OF FAITH HIST 1301 | History The Eastward Shift The Roman Empire's culture changed dramatically and in many ways between the third and the seventh century CE, mirroring the intricate web of historical events that were at play at this crucial time. The advent of Christianity was essential to this change, a paradigm shift in religious beliefs that had an impact on every aspect of imperial society, politics, and culture. A new age of monotheism replaced the ancient pantheon of Roman gods with the ascendancy of Emperor Constantine in the fourth century, which brought Christianity both imperial favour and the status of the official religion. This cultural realignment was further highlighted by the moving of the imperial capital to Constantinople in the eastern Mediterranean, which resulted in the creation of the Byzantine Empire, a unique entity that would survive for centuries and carry on Rome's history while paving its own course. However, even as the Byzantines accepted Christianity as a uniting force, the empire struggled to retain unity in the face of shifting political and ideological tides, internal divisions, and external threats. Amidst the turmoil of post-Roman Europe, Germanic kingdoms gained prominence and established their own territories, leading to a patchwork of regional alliances and rivalries emerging from the fragmentation of the Roman Empire's centralised authority. The clashing ideals of identity and government that competed for supremacy in Late Antique civilization were mirrored in the juxtaposition of these various power relations. In fact, Late Antiquity is defined by a conflict between continuity and change, serving as a transitional time between the ancient and mediaeval civilizations. The Byzantine society was endowed with a feeling of historical continuity and common legacy by the persistence of parts of classical culture, but the formation of new religious identities and the dissolution of existing institutions signalled a profound change in the cultural landscape. As competing nations attempted to establish their supremacy in a world in flux, the empire's frontiers became brittle lines that were susceptible to the ups and downs of territorial acquisition and reconquest. Nevertheless, the Byzantine Empire attempted to preserve the Roman character despite this turbulent environment, albeit with a Christian interpretation. The Byzantines fiercely claimed to be the descendants of the Roman Empire, upholding ancient customs while making adjustments to modern life. The Byzantine Empire arose as a stronghold of cultural adaptability in this amalgamation of ancient and modern, skillfully manoeuvring through the intricacies of Late Antique civilization while remaining devoted to its own unique interpretation of Romanitas. Essentially, Late Antiquity is a melting pot of change, a new era in history born out of the collision between the powers of mediaeval Europe and the heritage of Rome. The mediaeval world started to take shape via the interaction of politics, religion, and culture, setting the stage for the turbulent ages that followed.