In 324 the Roman Emperor Constantine was very

Question

concerned about the barbarian invasions, which
were literally at the gates of Rome. So
Constantine moved the Empire’s capital to a little
known Greek colony called Byzance.
As the Western Empire fell apart and disappeared in 476, the Eastern
Empire based in Byzance Constantinople survived until 1453. Byzance
became the great city of Constantinople.
The Eastern Empire or Byzantium founded a rich culture based on the
Greek traditions and Christianity. Byzantium has also left us its own story
thanks to one of its greatest writers, The greatest of Byzantine writers was
the historian Anna Comnena, the daughter of the emperor Alexius.

What were the key influences on Byzantium?

Answer 1

Byzantium, or the Eastern Roman Empire, was shaped by several key influences that contributed to its rich culture and historical legacy:

1. Greek Heritage: As Byzantium was founded on the remnants of the ancient Greek world, Greek language, philosophy, art, and literature remained central to its culture. The preservation and continuation of Hellenistic traditions played a crucial role in shaping Byzantine identity.

2. Christianity: The rise of Christianity profoundly influenced Byzantine society, politics, and culture. As the state religion after Constantine's reign, Christianity shaped art (notably, Byzantine mosaics and icons), law, and education. The Church played a central role in governance and was a unifying force amid diverse ethnic and cultural groups.

3. Roman Legal and Administrative Systems: The continuation of Roman law and administrative practices provided a framework for governance. The Codex Justinianus, compiled under Emperor Justinian I, is one of Byzantium's most significant contributions to legal thought.

4. Trade and Economics: Located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Byzantium was a center for trade and commerce. The wealth generated from trade routes facilitated economic stability and the flourishing of arts and culture.

5. Military Innovations and Strategies: The Byzantine military was characterized by its use of new tactics, fortifications, and weaponry, including Greek fire. The defense of the empire against numerous invasions required continuous adaptation and innovation.

6. Cultural Exchanges: Byzantine culture was enriched by interactions with various peoples through trade, diplomacy, and warfare, including Persians, Slavs, Arabs, and later, Ottoman Turks. These exchanges influenced art, science, and philosophy.

7. The Arts: The Byzantine Empire is known for its distinctive art style, characterized by religious iconography, mosaics, and architecture (e.g., the Hagia Sophia). This artistic heritage had a lasting impact on both Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian traditions.

8. Schism between the Eastern and Western Churches: The Great Schism of 1054 was a significant influence, leading to a distinct separation between Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism, which further defined the Byzantine identity.

These influences combined to create a unique civilization that bridged classical antiquity and the Middle Ages, leaving a lasting legacy in religion, law, art, and culture.