End of Byzantine Empire Reflection

Imagine someone saying to you, "Learning about the Byzantine Empire isn't very important since it's long gone!" What would you tell them in order to change their mind? (include at least 2 visuals in your post)


I would tell them that almost all we have today is thanks to the Byzantine Empire. While the Greek and Western Roman Empires were fading, the Byzantium thrived. It was a combination of the too and preserved their knowledge and culture. Without it the architecture, the art, the amazing achievements in math, science, philosophy and government politics would all be gone with the wind. Not only that, but Christianity would have small chances of continuing. Their art, containing of intricate mosaics appeared often and take great effort to make, also influencing the insides of Easter Orthodox churches today. The Hagia Sophia, an outstanding architectural and religious accomplishment wouldn't even be a vague idea. Justinian I had a great impact on the empire, making the Justinian Code. Also, without the Byzantines the Great Schism would have never happened. Our world would be so drastically different, we can't even imagine. Few people know how important the Byzantine Empire was. Only because it fell and is long gone doesn't mean it didn't make a change. And not learning about it you would lack a lot of valuable information.


Hagia Sophia and Istanbul:

My Mosaic

The Dove:

My mosaic is a picture of a dove. In Christianity the dove has a couple of different meanings. The main is that it represents the Holy Ghost. It also symbolizes Jesus's Baptism as well as the Pentecost and the release of the soul at death. Another definition based on Noe's Ark is that the dove shows peace and hope.

Saint Petka Field Trip

The mosaic I have chosen is a scene with Jesus surrounded by saints. The setting is unusual- outside, and parts of nature can be observed such as trees. The people are arranged after rank, Jesus stands highest on a rock, has a halo behind him and the sun shining great around him. To the left, on a lower level stands a man holding a bible. At the same level only on the right is another man, his arms crossed. They both have halos around their heads. Lower on the ground are three other men. They all have halos, all standing on their knees and protecting themselves with gestures made by their hands insinuating that Jesus is so powerful and bright they have to cover their faces. They are all dressed fancily. The mosaic does follow the main rules and assimilates to the Byzantine Empire art. They didn't shade, they used darker colors. The most important is highest and in the middle. Their positions are balanced. The colors are bright. However they don't have floating feet.