From Rome to Renaissance: Byzantine Empire’s lasting influence VIDEO

Often overshadowed in history, the Byzantine Empire was the silent architect of modern Europe, bridging the gap between ancient civilizations and the Renaissance. 

This fact adds a compelling layer to the rich and fascinating history of the Byzantines. Its influence on the development of Western civilization continues to resonate today, according to Greek media.

While the Western Roman Empire crumbled under the weight of external invasions just a few centuries after its rise, the Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire, not only endured for another thousand years but also preserved the ancient wisdom of Greece and the power of Rome. This survival allowed the Byzantines to safeguard vast repositories of knowledge that would eventually lay the groundwork for the Renaissance and the rise of modern European thought.

The Byzantines played an instrumental role in preserving invaluable texts from Greek philosophers, mathematicians, scientists, and astronomers, as well as Roman legal systems and artistic traditions. Far from the stereotype of monks hoarding ancient materials, this preservation was a deliberate and systematic effort spanning generations to protect and pass on knowledge.

One of the most significant contributions from the Byzantine Empire is its role in preserving the intellectual legacy of Greece and Rome, providing us with concrete evidence of the foundational knowledge that would later inspire the Renaissance and modern civilization.

The Byzantine Empire, which emerged following the Roman Empire's division, took on the vital task of preserving classical Greek culture during a period of increasing chaos in the West. Byzantine scholars diligently copied, studied, and passed down ancient texts, ensuring that key philosophical, literary, and scientific works were not lost to time. A prime example of Byzantine influence is Emperor Justinian I’s Corpus Juris Civilis, an extensive compilation of Roman law that would go on to shape the legal systems of modern Europe.

This sophisticated legal framework became a cornerstone of contemporary legal structures, linking ancient legal principles to modern-day laws and solidifying the role of the Byzantine Empire in shaping European jurisprudence.

Another key site of preservation was the monasteries of Mount Athos (or Agio Oros), which played a central role in the conservation of classical texts. Unlike many other monastic libraries that primarily focused on religious works, the monks of Mount Athos took a more inclusive approach, preserving a wealth of ancient Greek literature alongside theological texts. This broader conservation effort was not guaranteed but was the result of a conscious strategy developed by hundreds of monks from both Greek and non-Greek backgrounds, ultimately ensuring the survival of countless classical manuscripts.

Byzantine art and architecture also left an indelible mark on the modern world, influencing European art, particularly through the Renaissance. Iconic structures like the Hagia Sophia, with its innovative dome and dazzling mosaics, demonstrate how Byzantine artists and architects drew on ancient knowledge to create a new paradigm of Christian expression, building upon and expanding classical wisdom.

The distinctive style of Byzantine art, especially its Christian iconography, directly inspired Renaissance artists who sought to replicate, refine, and elevate the grandeur and beauty of earlier classical traditions. As a result, the Byzantine Empire played a pivotal role in bridging the ancient and modern worlds through its preservation of art, techniques, and knowledge, helping to lay the foundation for the Italian Renaissance.

From the intricate mosaics of Venice to the religious paintings of early Renaissance artists, Byzantine art has left a lasting legacy that continues to be appreciated across Europe and beyond. This often-overlooked influence highlights the Byzantine Empire's essential role in shaping European history and underscores its significance in the evolution of modern civilization.

By Naila Huseynova