Abstract This paper discusses the fall of Constantinople in 1453. It argues that the Christians fared better under the Sultans than they would have under the Latin West.
Abstract This research paper discusses the military and political aspects of the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks in 1453. It gives detailed background information on the previous attempts to conquer the city by several other civilizations and provides primary source information on the 45-day conquest process of the city by the Turks, which changed the fate of Europe, Christianity, and the Turks.
From the Paper "The city of Constantinople, which is now known as Istanbul, was inhabited by people as early as 3000 BC. Along with its history, Constantinople always held the interest of Greeks and Romans; yet, this interest could only continue until the rise of the Ottoman Turk power. The most powerful civilizations of their times eventually occupied, or at least tried to occupy, this city for various reasons. The location of Constantinople is the most attractive feature of the city; it is located in such an area that the Bosphorus, the sea that separates the two continents Asia and Europe, simply implies that this city is an entry to both Asia and Europe. Given this fact, it is true to say that the European originated Greeks and Romans wanted to control the entry to Asia, which eventually would cause a tremendous expansion in trades. Thus, Constantinople and ?the huge peninsula, known to the ancients as Asia Minor, had been one of the most populous areas in the world.? (Runciman, 22)."
Abstract This paper presents the design and plan of of Hagia Sophia and the Saint-Denis churches in Constantinople. The author points out the different concepts of the dome. The paper explains the use of the decorative arts.
From the Paper "The two structures, selected for comparison and analysis in this essay, are Hagia Sophia and Saint-Denis Hagia Sophia in Constantinople now Istanbul . They were was built in ... by the architects Anthemiuys of Tralles and Isidorus of Melitus. Saint-Denis was rebuilt under the direction of Suger Abbot of St. Denis in the is outside of Paris, France. The former church is an excellent example the combination of the elements of a Christian basilica to which a domed central square compartment was added along ..."
Abstract Few cities possess such a rich, varied and dynamic history as that of Constantinople, now Istanbul. The paper shows that Steven Runciman's history, entitled "The Fall of Constantinople 1453", is a flowing narrative detailing the years immediately before, during and after the "fall" of the city to the Ottoman Turks. Runciman's account is far from being dry; like a novel, the characters exhibit remarkably multidimensional traits. The paper examines how Runciman conveys the fact that the history and fall of Constantinople did not happen overnight and the transition from the Roman Catholic rule through Greek Orthodoxy, culminating with the triumph of the Muslim Turks, was a long, colorful and often bloody one.
From the Paper "Early in the book, Runciman offers reasons why his book differs from other accounts of the fall of Constantinople. His main gripe with common historical accounts, at least those published by the 1960s, was that most historians refer to the fall of Constantinople as the end of the Middle Ages. Runciman refutes this claim, stating firmly that the Middle Ages could not have just suddenly finished in one year; features of the Dark Ages, whether in politics, religion, lifestyle, or philosophy, remained after 1453. Likewise, Runciman notes that the Renaissance was well on its way in central Europe by the time Constantinople fell. Runciman claims that the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottomans solidified a Turkish capital in Europe, providing a European presence for the once isolated Eastern tribes."
Abstract A discussion of the conflict between Islam and the West, including the Battle of Lepanto against Spain, the Siege of Vienna against Austria and Poland, and the Battle of Constantinople in 1483. It explains how these three battles were significant in world history for a number of reasons; had their outcomes been different, the face of the world could have been very different today.
From the Paper "The Muslim nation has always been made up of warriors, unafraid to do battle with those outside their faith. Writer John L. Esposito says their culture combines "a warrior culture with an Islamic tradition that believed in Islam's universal mission and sacred struggle (jihad), to establish themselves as worldwide propagators and defenders of Islam" (Espisito 61). Because of this long tradition, Muslims have fought in numerous battles throughout their extensive history, including such decisive battles as the Battle of Lepanto in 1571, the Siege of Vienna in 1683, and the Battle of Constantinople in 1483. These battles were all significant for a number of reasons, and they are still important today in the interpretation of Muslim influence and history around the world."
Abstract This paper examines how "The Fourth Crusade" by Donald Queller and Thomas F. Madden is valuable in its reasoned, articulate description of a confusing and tumultuous time in human history. It looks at how the authors follow the entire period from Pope Innocent III's initial call for a holy war in 1198 to the sacking of Constantinople in 1204. Queller and Madden outline how crucial overestimating the number of crusaders was in the misdirection of the Fourth Crusade. It shows how the book is clearly written, organized, well-researched and, ultimately, valuable in providing an in-depth understanding of the complexities and realities of the often confusing events of the Fourth Crusade.
From the Paper "Queller and Madden's book covers the periods before, during and after the Fourth Crusade, and is valuable as a thorough description of the events of the Fourth Crusade. The Fourth Crusade, which took place from 1202-1204, was originally intended to conquer Egypt, but ultimately resulted in the conquering of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire in 1204. The book's analysis of the crusades begins with an analysis of Pope Innocent III's 1198 elevation to the papacy. Queller and Madden note the pope, "acutely conscious of his responsibility as the head of Christendom, intended to reassume papal leadership of the holy war," (1) and proclaimed a new crusade in the same year."
Abstract Asceticism, which exploded in popularity with the adoption of Christianity as the official religion of Rome, is a concept not so readily defined. It took many forms, and meant many different things to many different people. This paper looks at the leading proponents of the ideas of asceticism and marriage in the church to further unravel the mysteries of the early years of Christianity and Constantinople. The paper also touches on a few specific groups of aesthetics, such as the Encratites.
Outline
Encratites
Monasticism
John Chrysostum
Jovinianism
Augustine of Hippo
Women and Sexual Asceticism
Conclusion
From the Paper "Encratites were essentially an early sect, or group of sects who, based on their views concerning the origin of matter, abstained from eating meat, drinking alcohol, or getting married. They are very interesting in their development. Stemming from Stoicism and other generic branches of aestheticism, this group devoted their lives to chastity in all forms. Because they rejected marriage and considered all sexual encounters to be evil, they formulated theories that claimed all women to be evil beings. Also, as they were not predispositioned to eat animal products, they saw all alcohol as being given from Satan himself. After a certain period of decline, the Encratites were back in full swing and became known as Severan Encratites."
Abstract This paper explains that Baruch Spinoza, the first Jewish pantheist, rejected the monopoly held by the clergy over the political power in the Jewish community, was a champion of intellectual freedom and had followers including members of the Islamic community. The author points out that Spinoza was one of the first philosophers to marry Jewish thought with the emerging ideas of the Enlightenment and was more receptive to contemporary Western thought than any Jewish philosopher since Maimonides. The paper relates that Spinoza went to Constantinople, where Jews were emancipated; the community in Constantinople contributed to Spinoza's ideas of intellectual freedom and, in 1664, Spinoza published the "Treatise on God, Man and his Well-Being" marrying Jewish scripture to contemporary philosophy.
From the Paper "However controversial, Spinoza's viewpoint on God was not unprecedented. Spinoza's version of God was firmly planted in Mediaeval Jewish mysticism, which was closely allied to the Neo-Platonic philosophical tradition of Late Antiquity, as it had been developed during the 9th Century intellectual development of Islam. "The fundamental thing to keep in mind when thinking about Spinoza is one simple, striking, and paradoxical proposition: God is the only thing that exists." The idea is not that God is everything, but that nothing can exist independently from God. While reductionists may want to claim Spinoza as their own, Spinoza envisioned a thinking God. In addition, "although Spinoza was condemned by his community for the heresy of saying that God has a body," he actually believed that God was much more than a body."
Abstract In this paper the author attempts to address exactly how the Greeks reacted to the fall of Constantinople to the Turkish Empire. He highlights how preliminary research appears to show that some Greeks renounced their culture and their church and were fully assimilated into the Ottoman Empire, but that a greater number of Greeks (The Phanariots) retained their language, their culture and their religion and were able to not only prosper but rise to positions of significant power in the empire. These individuals colluded with the Ottomans without becoming part of them. A third group of Greeks who remained in the Greek Islands evaded daily contact with their rulers and lived the ordinary lives of Greek peasants and sailors in the previous millennium.The paper concludes with the evidence that the Greeks ended up destroying the Ottomans.
Considering Assimilation
The Ottomans and the Bulgarians
What is Greece and Who are Greeks?
Introduction of the Ottoman System
Bulgarian Society under the Turks
Ottoman Domination of Eastern Europe and the Middle East
Slavery in the Arab World and the Janissaries
Dhimmis (Protected Persons)
Millets and the Phanariots
The Greek Establishment after Constantinople's Fall
Revolutionary Influences versus Ottoman Sympathizers
Greece's Revolutionary Phase
After the Revolution
Conclusion
From the Paper "It is interesting to observe that the founding father's of the United States looked to Greece and its early democracy as an ideal on which they would build post revolutionary America and that the American revolution was first fought by dissatisfied over taxed small farmers (North Carolina) and then joined eventually by members of the elite who had experience in military science and political organization. It is interesting to note that the wealthy and middle class colonists in America were very reluctant to revolt against the British especially in the early years of the revolution".
Abstract The paper examines the events experienced by Eleanor of Aquitaine and her first husband Louis while on route to Jerusalem during the Second Crusade. Although Louis would be viewed favorably for his efforts, Eleanor would be plagued for the rest of her life with rumors of impropriety and incest.
From the Paper "Pernoud records the couple's stay at Antioch in much the same way as Seward. However, Pernoud seems to give more credence to the possibility that an unnatural closeness may have existed between Eleanor and her Uncle. ?If we adhere to historical fact, it seems unquestionable that Eleanor acquired a bad reputation at Antioch.?(Pernoud,72) He states that the charge of incest was leveled by the chronicler, "William of Tyr, who cannot be dismissed lightly" (Pernoud,72) Despite this assertion, Pernoud also insinuates that Eleanor's reputation may have been the result of her open disputes and disagreements with her husband Louis while displaying complete agreement with her Uncle. Seward does not mention William of Tyr by name, his account states that the only chronicler to make this allegation wrote of them forty-years later. Seward also relays that contemporary authorities have found no evidence to conclude the possibility of incestuous behavior on behalf of Eleanor or her Uncle. "
Tags: antioche, aquitaine, armour, christianity, constantinople, crusade, eleanor, france, holy, jerusalem, knights, land, louis, queen, religion, war
The paper compares and contrasts two versions of Mary with Child mosaics styles. The author pays special attention to historical and cultural influences on their artistic styles.
1,280 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 2 sources, 2002, $ 43.95
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts two mosaics depicting Mary and Jesus-one medieval, the other Byzantine. The author discusses their stylistic differences, the severity and stoicism versus warmness and emotion, and examines Christianity as seen through religious art in both societies.
From the Paper "The Medieval era produced many important art pieces ? many of which contained reference to religious figures. Because religion did, in fact, play such an important role in everyday life, religious art abounded throughout Europe . However, depending upon the area of the continent and which religion its inhabitants believed in, artists portrayed similar religious scenes in varying ways. In particular, Byzantine and Medieval pieces contained identical figures or scenes portrayed in very different ways due to the respective religion's influence on the artist. Comparison of two mosaics depicting Virgin and Child will show fundamental stylistic differences between Byzantine and Medieval art."
Abstract The author begins this paper with an examination of the development and decline of the Roman Empire and its various trade connections. The author moves on to look at the rise of Islam in the 7th century and the subsequent fall of the Axum Empire. The author continues by looking at the rise of Christianity in the Mediterranean region and its move into Africa and then how Islam essentially eliminated Christianity in those regions. The author then discusses Islam's effect on commerce and military matters and its development in Africa by means of conquests and it's ideology of equality among believers.
From the paper:
?The spread of Islam, from its heartland in the Middle East and North Africa to India and Southeast Asia, revealed the power of the religion and its commercial and sometimes military attributes. Civilizations were altered without being fully drawn into a single Islamic statement. A similar pattern developed in sub-Saharan Africa, as Islam provided new influences and contacts without amalgamating African culture as a whole to the Middle Eastern core. New religious, economic, and political patterns developed in relation to the Islamic surge, but great diversity remained.?
Abstract This paper compares Donald Queller's "The Fourth Crusade" to other contemporary books regarding the Fourth Crusade and contrasts between them.
From the Paper "In The Fourth Crusade, Donald E. Queller describes both the political and financial motives that led to the fourth crusade to Constantinople. Through heavy use of primary sources, the entire journey is told in a story-like fashion. Unfortunately, this story is not one without opinions. The Fourth Crusade is filled with Queller's personal opinions about both the historical event and contemporary historians. While these can sometimes be distracting, they neither take away from the significance of this study nor alter the historical facts. Queller's work, by all means, is one of the better historical studies of the events leading up to the sacking of Constantinople."
Abstract This paper is about he life of the once Bishop of Jerusalem and Doctor of the Church, St. Cyril who was born around 315 A.D. and died on March 18, 386. It details his controversial life in the Church, his elevation to bishop and his rule in Jerusalem and the contributions he made during his lifetime.
From the Paper "Cyril's life in the Church was controversial. He was bishop for thirty-five years, and many of those years were spent in exile. There are many historians who question if he was a bishop. We know for certain he was ordained as priest by St. Maximus who "gave him the important charge of instructing and preparing the candidates for catechumens" (Shea, 1894). Cyril performed these duties for several years. In fact, many of his catechetical lectures are still available today, written down by someone in the congregation: ?When speaking of so many mysteries, Cyril anticipated the question, "But some one will say, If the Divine substance is incomprehensible, why then do you discourse of these things" So then, because I cannot drink up all the river, am I not even to take in moderation what is expedient for me?"
Abstract A study of the effect of religion on the American political system since the Puritan influence that came with the Founding Fathers. It looks at the history of religious political influence starting with Constantinople and moves towards modern day and the conflict between religion and state in America.
From the Paper "When the freethinking, Founding Fathers of this country gathered in the late1700s to create a government for the free people of the United States, their intent was to form a government that would not be based upon the tenets or dogma of any particular religion. The motivation behind this thought was a dual one reflecting personal history as well as contemporary conditions. The early European colonists fled their own homeland and came to America to escape the oppressive European church/state rule. The first ruling government put into place in America, however, was ruled by Puritan dogma, and thus recreated another oppressive church/state government in the new land. It would be necessary to create a government based upon democracy and religious freedom in order to effectively defuse the Puritanical rule fashioned after the regime ruling the homeland."
