Caesaropapism is the idea that the emperor had complete control over the Orthodox Greek Church in the Roman/Byzantine Empire, relegating the church to something like a department of state, subordinate to, rather than independent from, imperial power.

How did caesaropapism impact the Byzantine Empire?

Thus, caesaropapism was an idea that increased the power of the Byzantine emperors. It gave them control over the church, which helped them have secular power as well. It also gave them an aura of divinity because they were also seen as the head of the church. This further legitimated their power.

What made Constantinople important?

First settled in the seventh century B.C., Constantinople developed into a thriving port thanks to its prime geographic location between Europe and Asia and its natural harbor. In 330 A.D., it became the site of Roman Emperor Constantine's “New Rome,” a Christian city of immense wealth and magnificent architecture.