out of the book "Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire" by Judith Herrin. give a fact that the byzantium empire has internal conflict
Fact: The Byzantine Empire experienced frequent internal conflicts throughout its history. One notable example is the Iconoclasm controversy, which occurred during the 8th and 9th centuries. This conflict stemmed from the debate over the use and veneration of religious icons within the empire. It caused deep divisions within Byzantine society as different factions, including emperors, clergy, and general populace, held opposing views regarding the religious significance of icons. This internal strife resulted in political instability, power struggles, and even periods of persecution for those in favor of or against the use of icons.
One significant fact about the Byzantine Empire's internal conflicts is the famous Iconoclasm controversy that lasted for over a century. Iconoclasm was the opposition to the use of religious images, arguing that they violated the Second Commandment against idol worship. This led to intense debates and clashes within Byzantine society between the iconoclasts, who sought to destroy religious images, and the iconodules, who defended the veneration of icons. The conflict not only caused deep divisions within Byzantine society but also had political implications, leading to the deposition and exile of multiple emperors. The Iconoclasm controversy only came to an end with the triumph of the iconodules in 843 CE.
To find a fact about the internal conflict of the Byzantine Empire from the book "Byzantium: The Surprising Life of a Medieval Empire" by Judith Herrin, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by checking the book's table of contents to identify chapters or sections that discuss the internal conflicts of the Byzantine Empire.
2. Look for keywords or search terms related to internal conflicts, such as "internal strife," "political struggles," or specific historical events like "Nika Revolt" or "civil wars."
3. Once you have identified relevant chapters or sections, read through the content to find specific facts or examples of internal conflict. Pay attention to significant events, power struggles, political factions, or any other relevant information provided by the author.
Remember that the book has a comprehensive analysis of the Byzantine Empire, providing a wide range of historical information. It may be helpful to cross-reference different sections or chapters to obtain a more complete understanding of the empire's internal conflicts.