| Byzantine Empire Writing Exercises Handout #3 |
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| Answer each of the following questions using complete sentences. 1. What caused the schism (split) between the Eastern (Orthodox or Greek) and Western (Catholic or Roman) branches of Christianity in 1054? 2. Explain how the fall of Constantinople to the Turks in 1453 was a turning point in world history. 3. How did the Byzantine empire help to preserve and transmit classical Greek and Roman culture and knowledge? |
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Click here to print this sheet of essay questions on the Byzantine empire (PDF). Answers will vary. The schism between the Eastern Orthodox and Western Catholic branches of Christianity in 1054 was caused by theological, political, and cultural differences. Key issues included disputes over papal authority, the wording of the Nicene Creed (specifically the "Filioque" clause), and various liturgical practices. The mutual excommunication of the Pope and the Patriarch of Constantinople, exacerbated by longstanding tensions, formalized the split, leading to a permanent division between the two branches. The fall of Constantinople to the Turks in 1453 marked the end of the Byzantine Empire and shifted the balance of power to the Ottoman Empire, which expanded into Europe, Asia, and Africa. It spurred the Renaissance by prompting Greek scholars to flee westward, bringing classical knowledge to Europe. The fall also disrupted trade routes to the East, encouraging European exploration and the eventual discovery of new trade routes, including the Americas. The Byzantine Empire preserved and transmitted classical Greek and Roman culture by maintaining libraries, copying ancient texts, and fostering centers of learning, such as the University of Constantinople. Byzantine scholars studied and commented on classical works, integrating them into Byzantine education. During the Renaissance, fleeing Byzantine scholars brought these texts to Western Europe, reintroducing classical knowledge and stimulating intellectual revival. The empire's preservation efforts were crucial for the survival of classical heritage. |
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