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Byzantine And Roman Empires: Key Differences and Similarities - UPSC Notes
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The Byzantine vs Roman Empires, two of the most powerful entities in history, have significantly influenced the world as we know it today. The Byzantine Empire, often referred to as the Eastern Roman Empire, outlived the fall of the Western Roman Empire by nearly eight centuries.
These two empires were alike in many ways in their administration, culture, as well as military tactics. They also had some unique differences that differentiated them. This article covers these similarities and differences from the perspective of the UPSC Exam.
A Glimpse into the Histories of the Roman and Byzantine Empires
The Roman Empire began as the Roman Republic, which was ruled by a senate that elected a 'Dictator' in times of war or emergency. But with the decline of the power of the senate, Julius Caesar, who was a military leader, proclaimed himself dictator for life. This resulted in his assassination in 44 BC by his rivals, who were opposed to one individual holding such authority.
Even after his death, Caesar's adopted son and nephew, Octavian, waged war against his assassins. The civil war that followed resulted in the collapse of the Roman Republic. Octavian triumphed and proclaimed himself emperor, taking the title of Augustus in 27 BC.
The Roman Empire continued its reign over most of the known world until a series of military losses, internal disputes, and weak administration led to a crisis in the 3rd Century AD. The empire was deemed too large for a single person to govern, leading to its division into two parts. The Western Roman Empire was based around Rome, while the Eastern half was established around a new city, Byzantium.
Byzantium, later renamed Constantinople, gave the Eastern Roman Empire its more common name, the Byzantine Empire. This empire survived the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD and became the cultural hub of both the western and eastern worlds. It eventually fell to the Ottoman Turks in 1453, with Constantinople becoming the capital of the Ottoman Empire.
Comparing the Byzantine and Roman Empires
Here are some similarities between the Roman and Byzantine Empires:
- Both empires were authoritarian and ruled by hereditary emperors.
- Internal rifts caused by court intrigues and corrupt administration were common in both empires.
- Both empires were trade centers, generating wealth through extensive trade routes.
- Large-scale building projects were undertaken by both empires. For instance, the Roman Empire established aqueduct systems, while the Byzantine Empire built the Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO world Heritage site.
Difference Between Byzantine and Roman empires include:
The Roman Empire practiced paganism, worshipping a pantheon of gods, while the Byzantine Empire embraced Christianity early on.
- The Western Roman Empire primarily spoke Latin, while the Byzantine Empire was Greek, both culturally and linguistically.
- The Roman Empire covered a larger area than the Byzantine Empire.
- While Roman art aimed to imitate reality, Byzantine art was more two-dimensional and abstract.
- Byzantine art was largely dedicated to religious and imperial purposes and was primarily used to decorate the interiors of churches.
For more historical events, check out Important Events from 3000 BC to 1950 AD .
To learn more about other Government Exams , visit the linked article. For more preparation materials, refer to the links given in the table below:
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Byzantine And Roman Empires UPSC FAQs
How did the Roman Empire emerge?
Republic weakened by conflicts; Julius Caesar assassinated; Augustus defeated rivals, becoming first Emperor in 27 BCE.
What were the major achievements of the Roman Empire?
Centralized administration, Roman Law, extensive road networks, military dominance, architecture, Latin language, and trade expansion.
What led to the fall of the Western Roman Empire?
Economic crisis, barbarian invasions, corruption, military decline, weak leadership, internal strife, and overexpansion.
What were the key features of the Roman Republic?
Governed by Senate, Consuls, and Assemblies; checks and balances; patrician dominance; military expansion through conquests and alliances.