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Byzantine Empire

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Characterized by the existence of their efficient economy, the Byzantine empire is regarded as one of the most successful imperiums to thrive on the face of the earth. With countless factors contributing to their prosperity, the fundamental cause for their success was the amount of wealth they possessed throughout their reign. Compared to western culture, the Byzantines were unsurpassed, possessing a large amount of visible wealth. The lively markets and active traders were able to develop the economy as a whole. Metropolises such as Constantinople and Thessalonica were able to attract foreigners, who introduced new ideas, traditions, and materials into the empire. This exchange was primarily made through local, regional, and international …show more content…

The analytical structure allowed the government to have complete dominion over the vast empire, with large numbers of honorific titles being in power. The emperor, holding the position at the zenith of the hierarchy; controlled all aspects of the government such as the judiciary system, finance, and council. Below him a myriad of court administrators and officials, known as the despotes, operated the climacteric administrative methods. A large number of honorific titles existed in addition to the administrators, which were fundamental to run the empire. Not a soul thought of changing the form of government until the deteriorating days of the empire. Thus, the Byzantine idea that the “Emperor was ultimately selected by God also, perversely, helped successful rebels and usurpers” prevailed throughout the longevity of the …show more content…

The system was categorized into three forms of trade, local, regional, and intercultural trade. Each of them having specialized merchants, who were accustomed to the goods and the environment of the market. Defined by the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library, local trade is a “one-day transit time, or within a radius of less than about 50 Kilometers by land or the distance of one day’s sailing.” Merchants who specialized in local trade were exchanging low-cost goods that customarily were self-produced. Linen, woven cloth, grains, and ceramics were commonly traded items on these routes. Local trade was able to increase the stature of proletariats by providing wealth and materials to the local population. Moreover, transactions made “below ten days’ travel is the regional level. Regional travel also involves professional traders, whereas local trade is still partly or mostly in the hands of the local producers themselves.” Comparable to local trade; Regional trade carried everyday constituintes and nourishments, but it also handled raw materials such as iron, wood, and charcoal. Beyond this boundary, intercultural trade, “connects two different regions that each have a radius of 100 to 300 kilometers,” allowing individuals with different backgrounds to interact,with the interaction came the exchange of intellectual ideas and traditions. As cultural exchange took place across the

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