Tatianna Griffin

Dr. Kravetz

HIST 100-02

30 March 2016

The Carolingian and Byzantine Emperors

After the fall of the Great Roman Empire, the eastern and western halves went in their separate directions in terms of empires. In the eastern half, Justinian and his wife, Theodora, ruled the Byzantine Empire. The empire relied on agriculture, trade, and resistance to invasions to make sure they continued to prosper and stayed out of poverty. The western half of the empire was taken over by Germanic tribes, and was ultimately taken over by the longest lasting of them all—the Franks. Starting with King Clovis, power was then passed down Charles Martel. It was then passed to his son Pepin, and to Pepin’s son, Charlemagne. Charlemagne established the beginning of the Carolingian dynasty and unified most of western and central Europe, creating the Carolingian Empire. Around 560, historian and civil servant, Procopius, documents inSecret History pertinent information about the reign of Emperor Justinian. Between 829 and 836, historian, scholar, and teacher, Einhard, produced a biography titled The Life of Charlemagne. In this, he highlighted the many achievements of the esteemed emperor.Based on the documents presented by Procopius and Einhard, each emperor valued different things; Justinian valued a strict form of Christianity, diplomacy, and the military, while Charlemagne valued family, education, and the Christian religion.

Emperor Justinian was a devout Christian who practiced a strict form of Greek Orthodoxy. He built breath-taking churches such as the Hagia Sophia in Constantinople and the Church of San Vitale in Ravenna. He also wanted his followers to practice the same religion he did and attempted to impose his beliefs on the people he conquered, even if they were still Christians and just practiced a slightly different form. Procopius writes about how Justinian values a strict form of Christianity. In Secret History, Procopius states, “and whatever others cause the minds of men to wander from the true path.”[1]This quote shows that Justinian values a strict form of Christianity because he wants his followers and those he conquers to not waiver from Greek Orthodoxy, which he believes to be the true path when it comes to religion. If it is not Greek Orthodoxy being followed, then the men of his empire are not on the right path in life. Justinian could have allowed for religious tolerance within his empire; however, with everyone following his beliefs, it creates a sense of unity among the citizens as well as between Justinian and the citizens of his empire.

Justinian had a vast empire that was surrounded by other groups of people. It is important that the emperor had great diplomatic skills in order to interact with other leaders. Procopius writes about Justinian’s relations, specifically with the leaders of the Huns, a Germanic tribe. He portrays how Justinian values diplomacy between him and other leaders. In Secret History, Procopius states, “gave them large sums of money, alleging he did this to serve their friendship.”[2] This quote shows that Justinian values diplomacy because he is trying to make peace and friendship with neighboring groups of people. This is important because it can put a halt to future invasions or wars that may have negatively affected Justinian and his empire. It is clear that Justinian valued diplomacy in order to protect his empire and stop future altercations from arising before they are even thought of.

Justinian had a vast empire and conquered many groups of people due to the strength of his military. Procopius discusses how Justinian values militarism by talking about his actions toward potential areas he wanted to conquer. In Secret History, Procopius states, “Without hesitation he wrote decrees for the plundering of countries, sacking of cities…”[3] This quote shows that Justinian valued his military because he uses it to assert his power and authority. Having such a strong army makes him look very strong and powerful, which can make neighboring groups of people afraid of his power and can prevent invasions.

Charlemagne was also a devout Christian who contributed so much to the Christian religious community. Einharddiscusses how Charlemagne values Christianity by talking about all that he has sacrificed and given to the church. In The Life of Charlemagne, Einhard states, “he built the great and most beautiful church at Aix… took the greatest care to have all the services of the church performed with the utmost dignity.”[4] This quote shows that Charlemagne had a great deal of respect for the church. He does his best to make sure that the church is seen as a high and holy place so that he is able to build a strong religious foundation. This is important because it gives him and the citizens of his empire, no matter their status or wealth, something in common that they can all share. Einhard also states that Charlemagne “poured into its treasury great wealth in silver and gold and precious stones.”[5] This shows that Charlemagne valued Christianity because he could have used his money for other things such as military expeditions or infrastructure to improve his empire. However, using his money for the church shows that it meant a lot to him.

Charlemagne had both sons and daughters and valued their company and his family. He did so much for his family to make sure that they were happy and safe. Einhard talks about the way Charlemagne treat his sons and daughters. In The Life of Charlemagne, Einhard states, “such care of the upbringing of his sons and daughters that he never dined without them when he was at home, and never travelled without them.”[6] This quote shows how Charlemagne values his family because most emperors would not have cared about their children and how they were brought up. They may have left them with nannies to focus more on the empire. Charlemagne took the time to spend time with his family to make sure they knew he loved them and cared about them and their future.

Charlemagne was never able to write, but he did show great gratitude to those who did and to those who taught the liberal arts. Einhard discusses how Charlemagne valued education by writing about how he encouraged arts and educating children. Einhard, in The Life of Charlemagne, states, “educating his children he determined to train them, both sons and daughters, in those liberal studies to which he himself paid great attention.”[7] This quote shows that Charlemagne valued education because many emperors would not educate their daughters, just their sons. The fact that Charlemagne educated both his sons and daughters shows that he is appreciative of liberal studies and feels that both girls and boys should be able to learn.

Through the works of Procopius and Einhard, both Justinian and Einhard value Christianity although they value different views of it. Charlemagne values education and family. Justinian values the military and diplomacy. Justinian tried to implement his views of Christianity into his empire. Charlemagne built churches and poured money into its treasury. Justinian conquered surrounding areas with the strength of his military and made friendship and peace with neighboring leaders which show his diplomatic skills. Charlemagne valued and spent time with his family and educated his sons and daughters. These things each emperor valued helped them to establish their everlasting legacy in Europe and surrounding areas.

[1] Procopius, “Secret History,” page 150.

[2] Procopius, 149.

[3]Procopius, 149.

[4]Einhard, “The Life of Charlemagne,” page 142.

[5]Einhard, 143.

[6]Einhard, 142.

[7]Einhard, 141.