The people we often call Byzantines referred to themselves as Romans. They believed their rulers were the descendants of Caesar and Augustus. The use of the term “Byzantine Empire” is a label added later and may not capture the full transformation of Roman society into what they became. This change took root around the 7th century as continuous wars with Persians, Slavs, and Arabs reduced the Eastern Empire’s reach.
Despite these hardships, the Eastern Roman Empire preserved ancient knowledge in schools and monasteries. This led to a cultural revival, even though much of the old knowledge had vanished from common awareness. Latin was rarely used beyond legal circles, and Byzantine students were only briefly introduced to Roman history. Scholars with a deep interest in Roman heritage were few but had some resources available.
Key Takeaways
- Byzantines saw themselves as Romans, not Byzantines.
- The Eastern Roman Empire faced threats but preserved ancient cultural knowledge.
- Most Byzantines had limited exposure to Latin and Roman history.
Byzantine Self-Identity
Romans: The Name Byzantines Called Themselves
The Byzantines always saw themselves as Romans, labeling themselves “Romayoi.” They held on to this identity even as the world around them changed. This Roman identity connected them deeply to their past, serving as a reminder of their cultural and historical roots.
Table of Key Points:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Self-Identification | Called themselves Romayoi (Romans) |
| Historical Context | They considered themselves true Romans |
| Cultural Legacy | Emphasized their link to Roman past |
Imperial Influence: Successors of Caesar and Augustus
The Byzantine Empire saw its emperors as direct descendants of the great Roman rulers like Caesar and Augustus. Despite changes, this connection remained strong. The Empire’s rulers were regarded as the bearers of an imperial legacy, sustaining traditions that were started by their Roman predecessors.
- Roman Heritage: Influenced by classical Rome
- Emperors’ Role: Seen as heirs to Roman rulers
- Art and Documentation: Used to reinforce their lineage
Throughout this period, the Byzantine Empire was constantly evolving, yet its people never forgot their origins and ties to classical Rome.
Change in Roman Culture
Identifying the Eastern Roman Empire
The people we often call Byzantines considered themselves Romans until the fall of Constantinople. They saw their emperors as the successors of Caesar and Augustus. Referring to the Eastern Roman Empire as the Byzantine Empire is a modern idea. This label highlights the major cultural shifts in Roman society after the Western Empire fell.
Historical Split in the 600s
The separation between the Roman and Byzantine periods is often identified in the 7th century. During this time, almost constant battles with Persians, Slavs, and Arabs left the Eastern Roman Empire small and weak. Although life was hard, the ancient intellectual traditions survived in schools and monasteries. This foundation led to a cultural renaissance later, even though much general knowledge was lost during the crises of the 7th and 8th centuries.
Continuity of Cultural Knowledge
Despite these troubles, Constantinople remained a hub for Greek histories of the Roman Empire. By the 9th century, scholars like Photius were summarizing hundreds of works, including those of Roman historians. While many classical texts were rare, some Roman history was available in popular forms like Chronicles and the expansive 10th-century encyclopedia, the Suda. This encyclopedia provided insights into Roman institutions, emperors, and conquests. Michael Psellos’ works also offered biographical sketches of Roman emperors up to Basil II, keeping the connection to Roman roots alive. Over time, although many classical texts vanished, educated Byzantines never completely forgot their Roman heritage.
Intellectual Legacy and Cultural Reawakening
Safeguarding in Schools and Monasteries of Constantinople
Constantinople played a crucial role in maintaining ancient knowledge during challenging times. As the Roman Empire evolved and faced numerous trials, this city became a beacon of hope for intellectual preservation. Schools and monasteries were not just religious centers; they turned into important hubs for learning. Here, scholars continued to study and protect works from antiquity, ensuring that ancient wisdom lived on even during periods of conflict and societal change.
Effects of the Crises in the 7th and 8th Centuries
The 7th and 8th centuries were marked by continuous warfare and significant challenges. These crises changed the Eastern Roman Empire dramatically, reducing it to a fraction of its former self. Despite these difficulties, certain elements of ancient culture managed to persist. Public statues and ruins, however, lost much of their historical context, often being thought of as magical or demon-infested places. Despite the loss of some knowledge, the framework of past empires was still present in literature and education. Chronicles focused on religious history but still retained Roman historical emphasis, while few scholars, like the notable Fotius, read and recorded ancient texts, ensuring their survival for future generations.
The Fading Memory of Ancient Times
Statues as Charms
In the heart of Constantinople, ancient statues stood as silent watchers over the city. Once representing significant figures from history, their true identities slowly faded from collective memory. People began to view these figures not as historical reminders, but as symbols holding mystical power. This shift showed how the original meanings and stories behind these statues were lost over time.
Temples and Ruins: Dwellings of Spirits
Ancient ruins and temples, once centers of worship and gathering, became associated with supernatural beings. Over time, many Byzantine citizens started to think of these spaces as haunted by otherworldly forces. The transformation of these places into feared locations illustrated a broader loss in cultural connections and historical context.
Erosion of Latin Skills
Latin, the language of ancient Rome, became rare in Byzantine life as time went on. Outside the realm of law, where understanding Roman texts was necessary, fewer and fewer could read or speak Latin. The revival of Latin learning saw some progress later, but enjoyment and fluency in the language remained uncommon. For most students, prominent Roman figures like Caesar were little more than names learned in rhetorical studies, as in-depth exploration of Roman history was not part of their normal educational experience.
Revival of Latin Studies
Western Europe Connections in the 1000s
During the later part of the Middle Ages, there was a rekindling of interest in Latin studies within the Byzantine Empire. This revival was partly influenced by closer interactions with regions in Western Europe. By the 11th century, these connections played a role in encouraging a limited resurgence of Latin learning. Though the circle of individuals engaging with Latin texts remained small, these interactions with Western Europe sparked an interest that had long been dormant.
Byzantine Schooling and Roman Texts
In the education system of the Byzantine Empire, Roman literature held a specific place. Byzantine students were occasionally introduced to characters from Roman history, like Caesar and Nero, through rhetorical exercises. However, most did not pursue deeper studies of Roman texts. Those with a special interest in Roman history were rare but had access to crucial resources to fuel their studies. Classic texts were often preserved in limited copies, making their survival into this period remarkable. Despite the challenges, the legacy of Roman texts persisted in shaping the cultural and intellectual world of Byzantium.
Roman History Viewed Through the Byzantine Lens
Patriarch Photius and Ancient Texts
In the ninth century, Patriarch Photius was a key figure in preserving ancient Roman works. He created a massive collection of summaries of nearly 400 texts, capturing a wealth of knowledge from both pre-Christian and later periods. His work included summaries of Roman historians like Appian, known for chronicling the tumultuous times of the Roman Civil Wars. Photius’ achievements underscore how he managed to highlight important Roman histories during his time, providing a vital link to the past for those around him.
The Vast Knowledge Base of the Suda
The Suda, a comprehensive tenth-century encyclopedia, served as a crucial resource for Byzantine scholars interested in Roman history. Although primarily focused on late antiquity, about a third of its entries addressed the Roman Republic’s structures, early emperors’ biographies, and Trajan’s expansion campaigns. This made the Suda a treasure trove of Roman information, providing substantial historical insight to Byzantine intellectuals.
Michael Psellos and His Historical Overview
Michael Psellos, a Byzantine intellectual, compiled a concise narrative of Roman history titled “Historia Synthima.” His work was created to educate Michael VII, a future emperor. Psellos began with Rome’s foundational figures like Romulus and spanned significant events such as the establishment of the Republic. He also explored leaders from Caesar Augustus through Basil II, providing a rare glimpse into the continuity of Roman leadership in Byzantine thought. His narrative avoided discussing the Western Roman Empire’s collapse, implying a focus on continuity rather than decline.
Risks to Ancient Writings
Threats from Inattention and Disasters
In the Byzantine Empire, many classic texts were at risk of being lost. Over time, some important writings vanished simply because people stopped caring for them. Additionally, fires that occasionally swept through Constantinople could easily destroy manuscripts that existed in only a few copies. Despite these risks, Byzantine scholars tried to preserve their Roman heritage.
Effects of the 1204 Crusader Pillage
The Crusader Sack of Constantinople in 1204 had a disastrous effect on classical literature. A significant amount of ancient writing was obliterated during this chaotic time. Many histories and important texts were lost, disappearing forever into the pages of history. This event highlighted how vulnerable these cultural treasures were to destruction.
Byzantine Understanding of Roman Heritage
Reflections of Emperor Manuel II
Emperor Manuel II often thought about the rich history of the Roman people. When he visited the ruins of a city established by Pompey the Great, he was struck by the passage of time. Observing the empty plains, he wondered about the names those places once held. He asked locals but found that no one could provide the answers. Many cities were destroyed, leaving only ruins behind. He remarked that while people could destroy cities, time could erase their identities from memory. This reflection shows how Manuel appreciated the delicate nature of history.
