Byzantism/Byzantinism as a cultural and historical phenomenon: imperial code and its legacy Byzantism (or Byzantinism) is a complex historiosophical and cultural concept denoting the sum of principles, ideas, and practices inherited from the Byzantine Empire and exerting fundamental influence on states and cultures within its sphere of influence. This is not just a reference to the past but a living system of worldviews and political codes that continues to provoke debates about its essence and significance. The phenomenon of Byzantism can be analyzed through several interconnected dimensions. 1. Essential characteristics of the Byzantine model Byzantism as an imperial synthesis formed at the intersection of three foundations: Roman state tradition (empire): Universalism, absolute power of the basileus (emperor) as the supreme lawgiver and judge, a complex bureaucratic hierarchy. Hellenistic culture and language: Greek as the language of the elite, philosophy, literature, and theology, preserving the ancient education. Orthodox Christianity: Religion as the cornerstone of identity and legitimacy of power. The church and state were thought of as a single organism — a "symphony of powers," where the emperor was responsible for earthly well-being, and the patriarch for spiritual salvation. Key principles deriving from this synthesis: Sacralization of power: The emperor was not just a ruler but a "living law" (nomos empsychos) and the earthly representative of God. His power was sanctified by the Church through coronation and anointing. This gave rise to the idea of "Moscow — the Third Rome" in Russia, where Moscow's tsars inherited the Byzantine sacred mission. Authoritarianism and ceremony: Society and the state were perceived as a reflection of the heavenly hierarchy. A complex, meticulously regulated court ceremony (Byzantine etiquette) was not just a convention but a language of power, demonstrating its immutability and divine order. Eschatological un ... Read more