The Byzantine empire arose from the eastern half of the Roman empire after it split in 364 CE. Its capital of Constantinople was located on a strait and served as a main trading port between Europe and Asia. The city’s location made …show more content…
The Byzantines having come from Greek and Roman backgrounds maintained and preserved artifacts and many elements of classical Greece and Rome. The Byzantine empire continued to prosper and cherish scientific and technological advancements as Europe turned its back on intellectualism.
The Justinian Code, a document containing the laws and legal understanding of Byzantine emperor, Justinian I, is the most important idea adopted to modern times. The code is a collection of four books containing different topics. Two of the books were collections of past laws and Roman legal codes. One was essentially a textbook used by those who wanted to practice law to gain a better understanding of how legal proceedings worked. The final work was a collection of new precedents and ordinances. The works helped to define the modern understanding of state and provided guidelines for many current international laws.
The impact of the Byzantine empire is felt around the western world. The Byzantines helped to preserve the Greek and Roman empires while also making advances in science and technology. By placing an importance on art and philosophy Byzantine culture was able to make strides in legal and moral code while continuing a rich and vibrant artistic culture to pass through