Second iconoclast period

Definition

The second iconoclast period refers to a significant phase in Byzantine history, from 814 to 842, characterized by the renewed conflict over the use of religious images in worship. This period emerged after the first iconoclast period, during which the use of icons was fiercely debated, leading to destruction and a deep divide within the Church and society. The second iconoclast period saw imperial support for iconoclasm, fostering a climate of tension and resistance among iconodules who advocated for the veneration of icons.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The second iconoclast period was marked by the reign of Emperor Leo V, who actively promoted iconoclasm and sought to suppress iconodulism.
2. During this period, many churches and monasteries were destroyed, and icons were removed or defaced as part of the imperial campaign against religious imagery.
3. The conflict during this period deepened the divide between iconodules and iconoclasts, leading to social unrest and political strife within the Byzantine Empire.
4. The end of the second iconoclast period came with the ascension of Empress Theodora, who restored the veneration of icons in 842, marking a significant turning point in Byzantine religious practice.
5. The second iconoclast period had lasting effects on Byzantine art and culture, influencing how religious imagery was perceived and utilized in both worship and artistic expression.

Review Questions

• What were the key events that led to the onset of the second iconoclast period, and how did they reflect broader social tensions?
  • The second iconoclast period began with Emperor Leo V's rise to power and his support for iconoclastic policies. This era reflected broader social tensions as it reignited debates over religious authority, artistic expression, and community identity. The conflict was not merely theological; it created divisions among citizens and factions within the Church, highlighting the deep-seated disagreements over the role of images in worship.
• Discuss how imperial policies during the second iconoclast period impacted Byzantine art and architecture.
  • Imperial policies during this time drastically altered Byzantine art and architecture by suppressing the creation and display of religious icons. Many artworks were destroyed or altered to conform to iconoclastic principles. This suppression led to a temporary decline in artistic innovation related to religious imagery, impacting not only aesthetics but also spiritual practices within churches. It also set a precedent for future debates about art in religious contexts.
• Evaluate the significance of Empress Theodora's restoration of icons after the second iconoclast period in shaping Byzantine identity.
  • Empress Theodora's restoration of icons in 842 marked a crucial turning point for Byzantine identity as it symbolized a return to traditional religious practices and beliefs that had been disrupted during the iconoclastic conflicts. This event not only reaffirmed the role of icons as vital elements in worship but also united communities that had been divided by iconoclasm. The restoration allowed for a resurgence in artistic creativity and solidified icons' importance in conveying spiritual narratives within Byzantine culture, ultimately shaping its historical legacy.

Related terms

Iconoclasm: The rejection or destruction of religious images or icons, primarily associated with the Byzantine Empire's theological disputes.

Iconodules: Supporters of the veneration of icons in the Byzantine Empire who argued that icons served as important tools for worship and communication with the divine.

Council of Nicaea II: The ecumenical council convened in 787 that affirmed the legitimacy of icons and condemned iconoclasm, setting the stage for later debates in Byzantine society.