Dig Into History

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Empire. Byzantine emperors believed that a

unified kingdom required a unified faith. While

unjust to those of different beliefs, this policy

did help to regulate the empire, both culturally

and politically.

Second: 867– 1025 C.E.

Emperor Basil’s reign introduced the Second

Golden Age. The decades that followed saw

many able emperors, each of whom continued

to strengthen Byzantine military and political

authority. As a result, there was a cultural

revival in philosophy, the arts, cultural and

scientific innovation, and general literacy. The

empire’s rulers also continued to promote the

spread of Christianity throughout Eastern

Europe. Their promise to protect those who

converted to Christianity from invading

Muslims and attacking tribes helped to unify

the Empire both culturally and politically. A

strong civil service oversaw both foreign policy

and domestic administration, including the

collection of taxes. Increased trade promoted

economic growth and better living standards.

Less rigid class differences allowed some

upward social movement, and more consistent

law codes promoted relative peace.

One of this period’s most important emperors

was Leo VI. Also known as Leo the Wise, he

oversaw the organization, reform, and

expansion of Justinian’s law codes. He also

commissioned the magnificent Church of Avios

Lazaros in Cyprus. In addition, he updated the

emperor’s territorial government and helped to

organize and regulate the trade guilds.

Records tell of Leo’s roaming Constantinople

in disguise, searching for corruption and

injustice. He once broke the law by walking at

night after curfew and bribed two patrols to let

him go, before a third patrol arrested him.

Recognized in jail the next morning, Leo

rewarded the arresting officer for doing his

duty, while punishing the first two for accepting

bribes.

Contact between east and west increased

greatly during this period. Many foreign traders

moved to Constantinople, along with numerous

Western dignitaries. This helped spread

Byzantine technology and culture westward. It

also allowed a flow of Western ideas and

customs to the east. Trade caravans and ships

brought gemstones, luxuriant silks, brocades,

and tapestries (see fragment of one below),

while the splendor of the Byzantine royal court

set the standard for royal decor throughout

Europe. Renewed interest in literature and the

philosophy of the ancient Greeks circulated

through the empire. Also flowing west into

Europe were Middle Eastern ideas. As a result,

the cultural impact of Byzantine art on the

west during this period was enormous and

long-lasting.

This fragment of fine silk tapestry dates to around

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