The second part of the Early Middle Ages

1. 4. BYZANTINE EMPIRE

2. 4.1. WHAT WAS THE BIZANTINE EMPIRE?
 The Eastern Roman resisted the
germanic invasions, and preserved the
Roman heritage.
 It was known as the Bizantine Empire,
and it lasted for another ten centuries. Its
capital city was Constantinople.

4. 4.2. JUSTINIAN, THE GREAT.
 The most important emperor was
Justinian. He ruled between 527 and 565
with his wife Theodora. His goal was
restored the greatness of the old Roman
Empire.
 His armies conquered many territories
and he took:
 Northern Africa (from Vandals)
 Italy (from Ostrogoths)
 Iberian Peninsula (from Visigoths)

7. 5. ART AND RELIGION BYZANTINE AND
VISIGOTHIC

8. 5.1. BYZANTINE ART
HAGIA SOPHIA
 Justinian
ordered to
built that
church in the
6th century.
 It is in
Constantinopl
e (current
Instanbul)

9.  It consisted on a central dome supported
by 40 arched windows. In its interior was
richly decorated with mosaics throughout
the centuries.
Central Dome
Arched windows
Half
Dome
Pillar
s

10. Interior
of Hagia
Sophia

11.  They usually built churches with Greek-
cross plan.

12.  The mosaics decorate interiors describing people in
solemn scenes, or representing the Virgin Mary and Jesus
Christ.
Empress
Theodor
a with
her
servants
.
Interior
church
S. Vital

13. Pantocrator Christ
Kyriotissa Virgin with the
child

14. 5.2. VISIGOTHIC ART
 There aren´t so much representations of
art.
 A few churches, which were small and
built in regular masonry.
 The typical features of their architecture
are: horseshoe arch and vaults.
 There is decoration on reliefs on the
walls.
 The main examples are: S. Pedro de la
Nave, S. Juan de Baños, and Quintanilla

15.  Goldsmithing:
 Votive crown
 The most important evidence is the Treasure of
Guarrazar and Treasure of Torredonjimeno.

16. TREASURE OF GUARRAZAR
Recesvinto´s Crown