Fall of Civilizations Podcast
11. Byzantium - Last of the Romans
Episode guests
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Quick takeaways
- The Byzantine Empire, also known as Constantinople, was a thriving civilization that endured for a thousand years.
- Justinian, the emperor of Byzantine, aimed to restore the glory of Rome through impressive architectural projects.
- Constantinople was a city of contrasts, featuring both grandeur and squalor, and facing external threats and internal instability.
- The rise of the Seljuk Turks posed a significant threat to the Byzantine Empire, leading to alliances with European powers.
- The Fourth Crusade deviated from its mission and attacked and looted Constantinople, causing further instability.
- The siege and fall of Constantinople in 1453 marked the end of the Byzantine Empire, but its legacy still influences Europe and the world today.
Deep dives
Gautier's observations of Istanbul as a painting
Teopi Gautier, a French writer and translator, visited Istanbul in 1852 and described the city in terms of art. He compared the harbor filled with ships, the bustling streets, and the scenic beauty of Constantinople to a painting.
The vanished history of Constantinople
Gautier and the rest of Europe knew the city as Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Gautier explored the ancient ruins of the city, particularly the great walls that stood as a remnant of its former glory.
The formation and flooding of the Mediterranean
Millions of years ago, the Mediterranean was a barren desert before being flooded by the Atlantic Ocean. Another flooding event occurred in the Bosporus area, creating the Sea of Marmara. These catastrophic events shaped the landscapes and influenced the formation of cities like Byzantium.
Justinian's ambition and achievements
Justinian, the emperor of the Byzantine Empire, sought to restore the glory of Rome. He constructed impressive buildings in Constantinople, such as the Hagia Sophia, and even smuggled the secrets of silk production from China. Justinian's reign witnessed the reconquest of many lands that were once part of the Western Roman Empire.
Fall of Rome and Siege of Constantinople
Belisarius lays siege to Rome and successfully captures it, highlighting the fading glory of the city. Rome is then besieged three more times and endures significant destruction. Justinian's conquests are short-lived, and the Byzantine Empire's resources are drained by war and a devastating plague.
Vitality and Decline of Constantinople
Constantinople stands as the proud capital of the Byzantine Empire, attracting travelers and boasting impressive structures. However, the city also suffers from squalor, darkness, and a divide between the rich and the poor. Its spice markets and perfumeries offer a sensory experience, while the empire faces external threats and internal instability.
Rise of the Turkic Turks
The rise of the Seljuk Turks poses a significant threat to the Byzantine Empire. With their vast empire extending across Persia and the Middle East, the Turks take control of cities like Baghdad and regions along the Mediterranean coast. The weakening Byzantine Empire turns to European powers for help, setting the stage for future conflicts.
Fourth Crusade and the Fall of Constantinople
The Fourth Crusade, initially intended to recapture Jerusalem, deviates from its mission and targets the Byzantine Empire. The crusaders attack and loot the city of Zara before besieging Constantinople. With the assistance of a local usurper, they capture the city, plunder its treasures, and spark a period of civil unrest and destruction.
The Sack of Constantinople
The siege and fall of Constantinople in 1453 marked the end of the Byzantine Empire. The city was under assault by the Ottoman Empire, led by Mehmed the Conqueror. The Ottomans used a massive cannon known as Basilica to bombard the city's walls, eventually breaching the defenses. Despite valiant efforts and a final stand by the Byzantine emperor, Constantinople was captured, leading to significant destruction and loss of life. The fall of Constantinople had far-reaching consequences, disrupting trade routes and leading to the dispersal of Byzantine culture and knowledge throughout Europe.
Legacy of Byzantium
While the Byzantine Empire faded from historical memory for many in Western Europe, its legacy can still be seen today. The refugees from Byzantium brought their cultural and intellectual traditions to other parts of Europe, contributing to the Renaissance. The fall of Constantinople also led to the exploration of new trade routes and the rise of maritime powers like Portugal and Spain. Additionally, Byzantine influences can be found in the religion of Islam, as the city became the cultural heart of the Ottoman Empire.
The Enduring Memory of Constantinople
Although Constantinople fell and was incorporated into the Ottoman Empire, the memory of the city and its glorious past persisted. The ruins of the city, such as the Theodosian walls, serve as a reminder of its former grandeur. Istanbul, as the city is now known, still bears the scars and echoes of its Byzantine heritage. Despite being a stranger to its own citizens in modern times, the memory and impact of Constantinople continue to resonate in the cultures and histories of the world.
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