Byzantine Iconoclasm

Complexities in Islamic Iconoclasm Defined as the rejection and destruction of figural images, iconoclasm in the Islamic world has been seen as the “long, culturally determined, and unchanging tradition of violent…acts". It may be carried out in the context of Islam or against the icons of another faith, as evinced by the destruction of Christian and pagan idols. However, G.R.D. King and Finbarr Barry Flood argue in their articles that Islamic iconoclasm in the past and present must be understood beyond simple and violent religious motivations. While King delineates early-Islamic iconoclasm and discusses its relation to Christianity, Flood extends his argument to the present-day, seeking to answer the role militant groups and museums play…

The theme/text that I found enriching and challenging is Iconoclasm. Before this class, I had only heard a little-bit about icons, and I was ignorant and ambivalent about the controversy. I discovered through this class that icons are central to Eastern Christian theology and identity. For Eastern Christians, icons are used in religious contexts and also venerated by touching, kissing, bowing in front of them, and lighting candles—these Christians are iconophiles (icon lovers). Icons were…

Is Iconoclasm acceptable? Today we have encountered numerous situations of iconoclasm. Iconoclasm means “icon-breaking,” which includes the religious as well as the political destruction of images or monuments usually, not always, by those of another group (Džalto). There are many examples in the past and even recently that prove that iconoclasm still exists today. Thus, iconoclasm is the destruction of icons and sometimes it is believed that it is done because of the difference between…

John of Damascus was born c. 675- 749 in Damascus under Muslim rule. His father was a Christian believer that was employed by the Caliph. John followed in his father’s footsteps working for the Caliph but eventually became a monk near Jerusalem, where he studied, wrote and preached. Some of John 's writings became the cornerstone for Greek Orthodox theology, however John is most known for the support of icons in the Catholic Church. John held the position of a iconophile, which means icon…

This issue has played a big part in the Byzantine Empire, alternatively known as the Eastern Roman Empire. Consequently, iconoclasm entitled to a division between Eastern and Western churches, specifically between the 8th and 9th century. Nevertheless, the implication of this issue has occurred because of political, economic and religious ideas. Even today, the idea of being for or against the idea of idolatry is one of the most argumentative problems in society. This paper is intended to…

The Byzantine Empire was a powerful entity, and Constantinople, the city from which the emperor ruled, was known as the "largest, finest, and wealthiest metropolis of the known world" (p.9). The empire lasted for more than 1000 years and was governed by many dynasties throughout its existence. Herrin's work focuses on three empresses who influenced the Byzantine Empire during their reigns: Irene, Euphrosyne, and Theodora. These women contributed to different areas of Byzantine society, but their…

Byzantine era was about 330—1453 The Roman’s empire was a Christian ruler “Constantine the Great” lived 306—337 and he transferred the ancient imperial capital from Rome to Byzantion, part of European continent, and setup within a major intersection of east- west trade. The king named the city in his own honor “City Constantinople”. The Christians already living there were Greek speaking, Christianity replaced the gods of antiquity and it became the official religion way into 700’s, at the time…

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…

After Constantine broke ground in Byzantium, he was unaware that his new empire would be essential to the development of a different culture. Amidst the Byzantine Empire’s construction, political and economical chaos ensued in the west. Europe’s Dark Ages would need a cushion to absorb any potential threats, and the Byzantine Empire played the role of this cushion. Without the Byzantine’s support, Western culture would not have survived and have been influenced by Byzantine, architecture, art,…

The Hagia Sophia as said in live science was “born out of riots”. The Hagia Sophia was the biggest Orthodox Church built in the East Roman Empire called “Church of Holy Wisdom” modern day Istanbul and was constructed in the same location three times in its life span. The church was a place where the rulers were crowned and throughout the byzantine period it was the “biggest operational cathedral”. A great revolt called the Nika Riot hit Constantinople in 532 A.D. because of…