Islamic and Byzantine Empires

     Both the Islamic and Byzantine Empires influenced Western Civilization, but they did it in different ways. These two territories were enemies in that they both wanted the same land. Islam was the conqueror in this in that it easily defeated Byzantine because the Empire was weak from being in so many wars. While Islamic territories grew and took over land from Spain to India, Byzantine territories were being attacked and concurred by other groups. Both of these Empires believed in one god, so when Islam took the cities in the Middle East from Byzantine those from the Byzantine Empire who decided to stay was allowed to continue practicing their Christian and Jewish religions by paying a special tax. The Byzantine Empire even adopted the Islamic practice of not having icons, images of holy people, after having realized the Arabs were having more success than they were. They believed this would make them successful as well.

     The Islamic Arabs became heirs of Rome by adopting the Mediterranean styles while embarking on military conquests throughout the Middle East. Byzantium tried to stay with the political institutions of Rome, the Emperor even keeping the name of Roman Emperor, but as it lost territory and elite it lost this characteristic. Its cities, laws and parts of religion all changed. It was now its own political entity on the border of the Islamic Empire. Religion and politics became closer, almost becoming one, during this time period. Byzantine had an emperor who was a religious force over the destruction of icons. Islamic Empires had caliph who succeeded Muhammad. Despite the differences between these two leaders, they both believed they were agents of God. This common view between the two groups would eventually affect the entire Roman world, changing it in the way it is run politically.  

Great Thinkers of the Greek World

  Philosophy was a huge controversy in the ancient Greek culture. It was always debated on who was "right" and who was "wrong" when it came to matters of politics, ethics, etc. Some of the greatest philosophers during this time period were Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato. When Socrates began questioning and criticizing Athens' new democratic governmental system he made many enemies. Despite the fact that he was executed for this beliefs, had he not done this we may not have the system of ethics we do today nor would we have the works of Plato, a student of Socrates teachings. Even though Socrates never wrote down his work himself, Plato knew it would be important to write it all down, so we can thank him for being able to read the incredible works of this brilliant person.

  After Socrates' death Plato gave up politics and began traveling and teaching philosophy himself. He created the Academy, one of the first institutes of higher learning. His works have had a huge influence on European history as had the works of his student, Aristotle. Aristotle was the successor of Plato, well known for his zoological and marine observations. Even though no one would listen to his observations during his time, they were eventually looked into and were proven true, such as dolphins and whales being mammals. He eventually created his own school, the Lyceum. His work in naturalism was influenced by both Socrates and Plato.

  With Socrates belief in critical thinking, Plato's theory of forms, and Aristotle's rules of logic, the world we live in today has been tremendously influenced by these great thinkers. Although they were criticized during their days, they would be happy to see what they have done for us today.