1THE EARLY MIDDLE AGES: GERMANICS, BYZANTINES AND MUSLIMS

Reading And Listening

1 Read the text and answer the questions: a) What is the name of the capital of the empire where Kassia lived?; b) Which emperor divided the Roman Empire into two?; c) Which culture became more influential in the Byzantine Empire?

2 What are icons?

Kassia Of Constantinople

Composer and poet

I was born at the beginning of the 9th century and I live in the capital of the Byzantine empire. My name is Kassia of Constantinople. I am a composer and a poet. Since I was young, I have had access to an education based on the culture of Classical Greece. Thanks to this knowledge, I became a writer and I have created a vast poetic production over the years.

The Byzantine empire began after emperor Theodosius I divided the Roman Empire in the year 395 CE. The Eastern Roman Empire, where I live, gradually abandoned Latin traditions in favour of Greek culture. Between the 8th and 9th century, worshipping icons was prohibited. Icons are sacred images painted on wooden panels on a golden background which represent Jesus, Virgin Mary or the saints. I defend the worship of icons so I have decided to retire into a monastery. Here, I can continue creating my poems and musical compositions, most of which are religious and dedicated to the Virgin and saints.

For a better understanding of the beginning of the Middle Ages, you are going to learn about:

Para comprender mejor el inicio de la Edad Media, vas a conocer:

• The Early Middle Ages, stages and medieval civilisations.

• The Byzantine Empire. General characteristics, society and art.

• The Germanic kingdoms. The Franks and the Carolingian Empire

• Islam. Birth and expansion.

• Islam. Economy, society and cultural legacy.

1 Look at the map in the unit showing the routes of the Germanic invasions. Make a chart with the names of the different Germanic tribes, their origin and where they settled.