Final answer:
The Iconoclastic Controversy was a religious conflict in the Byzantine Empire over the use of religious icons, resulting in political divisions and strained relations between the East and West.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Iconoclastic Controversy was a religious conflict that took place in the Byzantine Empire during the 8th and 9th centuries. It centered on the use of religious icons, which were seen by some as idolatrous and a violation of the commandment against idol worship. The controversy divided the Byzantine Empire, with some emperors and religious leaders supporting the destruction of icons and others opposing it.
The controversy had significant consequences for the Byzantine Empire. It led to political and social divisions, as different factions supported opposing sides. It also strained relations between the East and West, with the Eastern Orthodox Church breaking away from the Roman Catholic Church. The controversy eventually ended with the restoration of the veneration of icons in the Byzantine Empire.
Overall, the Iconoclastic Controversy had a profound impact on religious and political life in the Byzantine Empire, shaping the development of Byzantine art and influencing the relationship between the Eastern and Western branches of Christianity.
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