Byzantine Empire Under Justinian During the Emperor Justinian’s reign, from 527 until 565, the Byzantine Empire expanded in wealth, power and prestige. Much of this was due to Justinian’s skilful rule. Stated in Document 3, Justinian’s rule was that of God, because he had absolute rule over his empire. There were also periods of retrenchment and plague which often makes the period seem an unsuccessful one, although these times showed his quality as an Emperor. His attempt to revive the Roman Empire was a successful one, both in terms of power and longevity.
Part Two Book 8 of Ecclesiastical History begins with an account of the condition of Christianity prior to The Great Persecution, the relationship between the Church and the empire, and what attitudes and actions led to the commencement of the persecution. Eusebius describes how the worship of Christianity was once “thought worthy by all men, both Greeks and Barbarians” (p. 163), which shows the acceptance of Christianity by the empire. Eusebius then shows how it fell out of favor when “because of greater freedom, our affairs went over to conceit and sloth” (p. 165), which conveys that Christians themselves became lax with the strict tenants and
A pastoral council consists of members of the Christian faithful who are in full communion with the Catholic Church—clerics, members of institutes of consecrated life, and especially laity—who are designated in a manner determined by the diocesan bishop. §2. The Christian faithful who are designated to a pastoral council are to be selected in such a way that they truly reflect the entire portion of the people of God which constitutes the diocese, with consideration given to the different areas of the diocese, social conditions and professions, and the role which they have in the apostolate whether individually or joined with others. §3. No one except members of the Christian faithful outstanding in firm faith, good morals, and prudence is to be designated to a pastoral council.
The cathedrals built during the medieval era were related to many aspects of medieval life due to the fact that the construction of a single cathedral was such a large production, let alone the construction of dozens upon dozens in Europe’s towns and cities. In alignment with a political standpoint a cathedral was an important building to have in any major city because they were often used for “the most secular matters” to discuss city business and things of the sort. In doing this most of the cities with large cathedrals did not have to build a city hall therefore saving valuable
The military strength and wealth he gained through his conquests in Gaul would pave his way to a successful career. He was so successful in his campaign that he became famous for his phrase “I came, I saw, I conquered” and the modern historian H.H Scullard even describes him as a man with “outstanding abilities”. Thus the Gallic Wars played a significant role in Julius Caesar’s Career, both politically and militarily. Caesar’s reputation as a General, who is considered to be more prominent than Pompey the great, was not comprehended until the Gallic Wars. Instead he was known to be one of the ablest orators and “most adroit politicians of the day”[F.B Marsh] and his military skills were most likely not rated very highly.
Both governments focused on expanding their empire. Cyrus, founder of the Persian Empire, took over the Babylonian civilization when the Babylonians welcomed Cyrus as their king, and his son, Cambyses II, captured Egypt. The Persians expanded even further during the rule of Darius I, who extended Persian control eastward as far as the Indus river valley, westward into Europe. As well as that, the empire erected forts in Thrace, promoted the development of maritime routs and completed a canal linking the Red Sea to the Nile. The massive expansions made it so that Darius I’s empire was the largest the world has ever seen.
The slave trade was also introduced. Similar events also happened in India as Europeans began invading their region and forced the Indians to do labor. The labor systems were changed mainly because the Europeans believed they were superior to the Native Americans and treated them like slaves (although they were never referred as slaves). One of the few things that remained the same was tribute as taxes were still imposed on people on the lower half of the social hierarchy. In the Incan empire, they also used the Mita system so that the citizens can pay tax through labor.
The Domesday Book helped to establish control and was an improvement for the English government as William got more information about his finances. A small revolution was that many Anglo Saxon bishops, priests, e4arls and barons were totally replaced from the Anglo Normans. Also new cathedrals in stone. In Chancery there wasn’t a revolution under William as he used the same way as Edward. During Edward there existed some sort of group of clerks who wrote up the laws and grants and writs.
The Romans introduced a system of politics where the entire kingdom would be governed from one central town. The first Roman capital was Colchester but later became London. The Romans united all tribes into one kingdom but left tribal leaders to keep the title of “king” although they had no real power. The Romans brought their standard currency into the areas they conquered. As they gained more power, the tribes of Britain accepted the new currency because it made trading easier.
Egypt returned to unity and the climax of wealth and power with the New Kingdom. The New Kingdom’s pharaohs conquered many nations that brought great prosperity. The raids of the Sea people brought upon another decline of Egyptian empire. The Persian, Greek, Roman, and Muslim later absorbed the Egyptian kingdom. The Greek empire began with consolidation of Macedonia and the Greek city-states to fight the Persians in war by Phillip II.