Iconoclastic+controversy

Icon paintings are richly ornamented paints of saints and other religious figures. Beginning in the mid 8th century, the iconoclastic contoversy debated whether icons were sinful idolatry or proper reverance of important religious figures. Iconoclasts believed the images should be destroyed. The use of icons gained steadily in the eastern portion of the Byzantine Empire. As opinions on the matter strengthened, those who worshipped icons were at times persectued, particularly under Leo II. The disagreement over the use of icons contributed to the schism of the Western and Eastern Orthodox Churches. http://www.neobyzantine.org/orthodoxy/history/controversy_iconoclastic.php

Unit 3 Terms Created by Becca Ellison October 22, 2008 Edited by Hampton Webb - 10/22/08