01-11-2009, 08:55 PM
The evidence for and against Islam's influence on iconoclasm is still being debated. But it seems likely that it was very possible, if not probable, that the practices of Muslims did have an instigating effect on some Christians
Yet, I must disagree with the bit on conversion to Islam. If East Rome converted, it is more likely that it would have been swept up under the tide of expansionism. Perhaps it could have become a sort of vassal or tributary state to the Caliphate. There is obviously no way to completely prove one way or the other.
Nevertheless, Byzantium could have been saved if the following issues could have been avoided or corrected: 1) decline of monetary system and successive debasements; 2) animosity of potential allied or friendly nations (primarily Southern/Central Europeans); 3) slow population increase; 4) loss of military institutions.
There could be other topics added to this list, but I tried to make them fairly inclusive in order to cover smaller problems.
Yet, I must disagree with the bit on conversion to Islam. If East Rome converted, it is more likely that it would have been swept up under the tide of expansionism. Perhaps it could have become a sort of vassal or tributary state to the Caliphate. There is obviously no way to completely prove one way or the other.
Nevertheless, Byzantium could have been saved if the following issues could have been avoided or corrected: 1) decline of monetary system and successive debasements; 2) animosity of potential allied or friendly nations (primarily Southern/Central Europeans); 3) slow population increase; 4) loss of military institutions.
There could be other topics added to this list, but I tried to make them fairly inclusive in order to cover smaller problems.
John Baker
Justice is the constant and perpetual wish to render to every one his due.
- Institutes, bk. I, ch. I, para. I
Justice is the constant and perpetual wish to render to every one his due.
- Institutes, bk. I, ch. I, para. I
