First iconoclast period

Definition

The first iconoclast period refers to a significant phase in Byzantine history, specifically from 726 to 787 CE, during which there was a widespread movement against the veneration of icons and religious images. This period was marked by a theological and political struggle over the role of images in worship, driven by various emperors and church officials who believed that the use of icons constituted idolatry. The conflict led to the destruction of many sacred images and created deep divisions within the church and society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The first iconoclast period began with Emperor Leo III's edict in 726 CE, initiating a campaign against the use of icons in churches.
2. During this time, many churches experienced violence as images were destroyed, reflecting the intense religious fervor and division within Byzantine society.
3. Supporters of iconoclasm argued that the veneration of icons was contrary to biblical teachings and promoted idolatry.
4. Opposition to iconoclasm emerged strongly from monastic communities, which saw icons as vital tools for spiritual devotion and instruction.
5. The first iconoclast period officially ended with the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 CE, which restored the veneration of icons and established their importance in Christian practice.

Review Questions

• What were the main arguments presented by supporters of iconoclasm during the first iconoclast period?
  • Supporters of iconoclasm argued primarily that the veneration of icons was a form of idolatry, contradicting biblical teachings that prohibit the making of graven images. They believed that worship should be directed solely toward God and that material representations distracted from true faith. Additionally, they claimed that relying on icons could lead to theological errors and diminish the spiritual authority of the church.
• Analyze how the first iconoclast period affected relationships between different factions within Byzantine society.
  • The first iconoclast period significantly strained relationships among various factions within Byzantine society, particularly between iconoclasts and iconodules (those who supported the veneration of icons). This conflict often divided families, communities, and even monasteries, as people took sides based on their beliefs about icons. The resultant tensions contributed to political instability as differing groups sought favor with emperors, leading to further conflict and persecution during this contentious time.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the first iconoclast period on Byzantine art and religious practices in subsequent centuries.
  • The first iconoclast period had lasting implications on Byzantine art and religious practices by establishing a precedent for debates around religious imagery that would continue for centuries. The destruction of icons led to a shift in artistic styles and themes as artists adapted to changing attitudes towards representation. In addition, it influenced theological discussions surrounding the nature of divine representation, ultimately shaping how future generations approached art in worship settings, especially after the eventual restoration of icon veneration in later periods.

Related terms

Iconoclasm: The rejection or destruction of religious images and icons, often associated with the belief that such practices lead to idolatry.

Second Council of Nicaea: A significant church council held in 787 CE that reaffirmed the veneration of icons and condemned the iconoclastic movement as heretical.

Theophilus: An important Byzantine Emperor known for his staunch support of iconoclasm during the first iconoclast period, advocating for the removal and destruction of icons.