Roman Influence on Byzantine Empire and Islamic Societies Essay Example for Free

papistic Influence on convoluted pudding stone and Islamic Societies EssayThe m some other of the world has been killed, stated a 5th deoxycytidine monophosphate historian, grief-stricken and app wholeed when the news of capital of Italys fall had reached ear. Certainly his words hold truth, for Rome the dauntingly colossal imperium engulfing the Mediterranean and all territories almost it the source of artistic, intellectual, and cultural ascendancy the influential work out of brilliance in so many of the coexisting societies of the western world was truly the predecessor and cleric of all Western Civilization to come. However, what no one knew, was that the lasting impression this situationful and astonishing elaboration would agnise upon the world, even if lonesome(prenominal) through the works of fleeting memory or written text. As al offices, with loss comes a chance for gain an opportunity for rebirth and renewal that could previously have only been a dream. And so, with the collapse of one great empire, opportunities arose for the numbers of new kingdoms and societies to catch. The Byzantine Empire and Islamic societies were cardinal in particular prominent societies that gained primacy, arising from the fourth to sixth century.Although both Byzantine and Islamic societies created their own empires, with separate rulers and individuals, the Roman Empire heavily beguiled their cultural aspects, as demonstrated in their religion, art, and law. The Byzantine Empire was a highly prosperous society centered around the city of Constantinople. This society, dating back to around 330 AD, consecutively arising aft(prenominal) the fall of the Roman Empire, and managed to remain in power for more than 1000 years. It was the most powerful scotch and military force in all of Europe at the height of its power.Constantinople, located at present day Istanbul, was the capital city of the Byzantine Empire, and played a key role in the hegemony o f the empire. By cause of the citys prime positioning with access to east-west and north-south trade routes, trade became an all-important(a) institution and base of economy in the Byzantine Empire. Silk was originally bought from China for the grand empire, until silk-worms were illegally obtained by Byzantine monks, and factories were established in the Empireto create this r be product.Silk soon became an imperial monopoly, and through this way, the trade of luxury items became the Byzantines main source of income. The location of Constantinople withal aided in military success and defence, for the empires naval headquarters were located along the shores, and had access to the Black Sea and Mediterranean. Because of the Empires location, all but overlapping the fallen Romans territory, the Byzantine Empire was greatly affected by these Romans past traditions and ways of life. The Roman Empire influenced the Byzantine Empires culture, mainly through the religion of Christianit y.Christianity first appeared in the Roman Empire, with the birth, teachings, and supposed resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the beginning years of its arrival, Christianity was not tolerated and Christians were mainly, and most often brutally prosecuted. However, with Constantines Edict of Milan, Christianity was formally tolerated, and under Theodosius, it became the official religion of the Roman Empire. The Byzantine Empire inherited this relatively new religion, inveterate to follow the beliefs and traditions of the church, as well as spreading the word of Jesus Christ and the message of god.Churches sprung up in the empire, such as the mighty Hagia Sophia. Located in Constantinople and built by Justinian, this church especially exemplified Roman influence through its divine architecture. Above the arches is raised a circular grammatical construction of a curved form through which the light of day first shines, (document 2) boasts Procopius, a Byzantine scholar from Palestine. He became the principal historian of the 6th century, documenting the works and wars of Justinian I.Procopius describes the churchs magnificent domed ceiling, which, along with columns and a concrete skeleton, fuck hardly be castigated, nor denied of its uncanny resemblance to Romes Pantheon. Justinian was the Christian Emperor of the Byzantine Empire who is famous for his building projects, battle tactics, and his codification of Roman law. We have seek the most thorough amendment of the entire law, to collect and revise the whole body of Roman jurisprudence, and to assemble in one book the separate treatises of so many authors, Justinian writes, reflecting upon his work.The Justinian code was essentially a collection of scattered Roman documents on law, treaties, and other diverse legal matters. This codification was used as the basic scheme of law in the Byzantine Empire, and successfully governed an Empire of citizens for roughly 1000 years. In conclusion, if not for the in fluence and impact of lingering hints of Roman Christianity, architecture , and law, the Byzantine Empire would have evolved into a profoundly mutation society than the one established so many years ago.Islamic Societies were very militaristic, religious, and politically establish on the teaching of Muhammad. Although small when first founded in the sixth century, at its height of power, regions conquered and maintain by the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties included Egypt, Arabia, lands of the Persian Empire and Asia Minor, regions of North Africa snaking along the Mediterranean, and territories of present day Spain in the west.Comprised of shining generals and thousands of well-motivated men striving for eternal paradise in the after-life, the army was immensely dynamic, efficacious, and cardinal to the prodigious power of the Islamic Kingdom. Religion influenced much of the populations way of life, dictating family practices, working hours, diet, public ceremonies, and many other aspects of everyday life. To maintain the promise of eternal paradise after death, a Muslim was expected to follow the ruler and faith with honor and loyalty, as well as the Five Pillars of Islam.Stated in the Quran, these pillars are thought of as the hindmost commitment to Islam, and obedience to the laws is key. One must accept monotheism and Muhammad as gods holy messenger (Shahada), pray five times a day and attend communal prayer on friday (Salat), give alms to the poor and less fortunate (Zakat), fast during the holy month of Ramadan (Sawm), and make a pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) at least once in a life-time. The rulers of Islamic Society, entitled as caliphs, were expected to follow these pillars, as well as the practice of Jihad striving in the way of the Lord.However, although the Islamic culture and government had many newly created aspects, the motif of previous Roman society was soothe predominantly clear. Roman influence on Islamic Societies was mainly displayed in its art, specifically architecture and language. The troops of Roman architects, hired by kings to institute the design and production of churches, were frequently extremely bright, talented, and passionate. The innovative building models established were graced with stability, natural impregnability, and beauty.Islamic societies gained much of their knowledge on contemporary architecture from the Romans, and in effect, produced constructions very sympathetic to those erected in the bygone days of the Roman Empire. For example, the Islamic Dome of the Rock, constructed in Jerusalem 690 AC, possesses aspects similar to those of the Roman Pantheon. The Dome of the Rocks ceiling, to no extent of surprise, is in fact in the play of a dome, such as the ceiling of the Pantheon. Furthermore, the Islamic structure contains many columns that are conjointly displayed in the Roman temple.The Mosque at Cordoba contains arches and columns resembling those built by Romans in water canals and a t the gates of cities. The Islamic religions also continued to carry on the most spoken language of Rome Latin. Caliphs and libraries collected texts from all around the world, while scholars translated the sterling works into Arabic and Latin. Although Islamic some celebrations show congruency with celebrations of Christians,Roman influence on the Muslim people was mainly cultural. News of Romes fall spread quickly throughout lands of the Mediterranean, Africa, Persia, and Arabia. wholly were astonished at the supposed failure of the once mighty empire, considering its previous success and military conquest. Acting as predecessor and nurturer, Rome had affected countless bordering societies, all across the western world. However, the historian pronouncing Romes title as mother of the world had been ludicrously incorrect in strike to one aspect of the Empires demise. Rome went on influence future cultures in the Mediterranean regain for centuries, especially those of the Byzantine Empire and ancient Islamic Societies.By means of the Empires culture, religion, and law, Rome continues to influence American society today, even hundreds of years after the empires fall. In Washington D. C. , the use of columns, arches, and domes is a common motif in most political buildings, as well as domestic dwellings. Christianity is now a widely adopted religion, practiced by about thirty-three percent of the entire worlds population. Justinians codification of Roman law can still be compared with legal and justice systems from around the world, especially in western civilization.The 6th century historian was terribly mistaken in the fact that Rome had been killed, for today as vividly as yesterday as true as the promise of tomorrows rising sun Rome lives on. In the subtle curve of an elegant column, in the chromatic dazzle of a churchs stained glass window, and in the crack of a judges mallet, bringing justice to all those our mighty nation gives promise to protect and s erve, Rome survives. Chin to the sky, arms open, Rome stands tall and illustrious, launch to embrace all those who walk the earth all whom she deems children.