Byzantine Art: History and Characteristics
Byzantine Art
Historical Context
After the final division of the Roman Empire, the western part succumbed to Germanic peoples just a century later, while the East survived for a thousand years.
The Byzantine Empire experienced its first great period of splendor under Justinian, who annexed large parts of the western Mediterranean and came close to restoring the ancient Roman Empire, of which it considered itself the legitimate heir.
However, this situation could not be maintained for long, and the Byzantine
Read MoreFrench Revolution: Causes, Phases, and Napoleonic Era
Unit 2: The French Revolution
The spread of new Enlightenment ideals, the development of the bourgeoisie in the 18th century, and the example of the American Revolution stimulated the desire for change in Europe.
A revolutionary wave began in France in 1789 and spread through Europe in the first half of the 19th century. Its aim was to end absolutism and the Ancien Régime.
Revolutionaries wanted all citizens to be considered free and equal, with an end to feudal privileges, and the right to participate
Read MoreSpain’s Transition to Democracy: Culture, Politics, and Society
Culture and Attitudes
Life forms also experienced a major transformation thanks to the new freedoms that the country was experiencing. The process was often faster than the ability to assimilate large communities that had multiplied, so the conflict, often fueled by the economic crisis. Thus, while the media sought to advance the plurality of information, statements defending the extreme right or left were also published. The violence of both sectors (fighting in streets, universities, and even murders)
Read MoreSpain Under Ferdinand VII: A Clash of Ideologies
The Reign of Ferdinand VII
During the reign of Fernando VII, “The Desired” (1814-1833), there was a major conflict between absolutism and liberalism. His reign is divided into three phases.
1st Stage: Sexenio Absolutista (1814-1820)
Enthusiastically received, especially by the absolutists (nobility and clergy), in the document known as the “Manifesto of the Persians,” he expressed his desire to bring back the old regime and its belief in the unlimited power of the king and alliance of throne and altar,
Read MoreSpain’s Tumultuous 20th Century: Dictatorship, Republic, and Civil War
Primo de Rivera
Among the events of this period are the following:
- General Primo de Rivera rose up, ostensibly to save the country, but in reality, it was to save the dying monarchy of Alfonso XIII.
- The goal of the dictatorship for the ruling class was to clean up the mess left by previous governments and give a new image to the country.
- The dictatorship had significant achievements in the economy. It tried to create a state-controlled economic sector by merging public and private capital into a single
Nostradamus: Life and Prophecies of the Famous Seer
Michel de Nostradamus: Physician, Astrologer, and Seer
Early Life and Career
Michel de Nostredame (December 14, 1503 – July 2, 1566), commonly known as Nostradamus, was a French physician and astrological consultant of Provençal Jewish origin. He is considered one of the most renowned authors of prophecies and future events. His book, True Centuries: Prophetic and Astrological Prophecies, was first published in 1555.
The Prophecies and Their Impact
Since the publication of his book, many people have