Constantine V And Second Nicea Essay

During the Byzantium Empire in the 700’s, the Iconoclasm Controversy and the Decree’s that followed were crucial points in the history of Christianity. The Catholic Church was largely affected by the Iconoclastic movement during that time and the continued growth and popularity of religion was tested. Both the Decree of the Iconoclast Council of Constantinople and the Decree of Second Nicea shaped the Byzantine Empire during the time of Constantine V and Leo III’s rule. During the time when Iconoclasm was in high popularity and religious imagery, specifically regarding Christianity and the Church, was being removed. Through the mid to late 700’s, Iconoclasm and the Catholic Church constantly fought back and forth to find a verdict for the situation at hand. Leo III, the emperor of the Byzantine empire, began the new battle. This began after ordering specific Christian decor and statues to be removed from the kingdom. After his death, his son, Constantine V took over the kingdom. In the Roman Empire, the worshipping and god-like praise emperors and icons received, was undeniable. Specifically near the beginning of the Roman Empire, emperors were treated as Gods, not as human beings. While the worshipping of emperors and and idols may have been illegal, …show more content…
The Church proceeds to list 19 laws that the citizens of the empire must obey. The list continues, explaining the circumstances in which man or woman must be shunned and avoided. Due to the fact that the emperors and rulers during the time of this decree initiated it, the marginalization of those who believe differently was rendered invisible, for it was the emperor and Church in