Why Did The Byzantine Empire Study

It is important to study the Byzantine Empire for many reasons. This empire is often overlooked in the study of history, but they contributed to modern civilization in multiple ways. The Byzantine Empire expanded and collapsed several times and lasted over 1100 years. Constantine, the emperor of Rome, made two changes that affected modern European and Middle Eastern history. He legalized Christianity and moved the capital of the empire from Rome to Byzantine. The Byzantines used specific designs and techniques to successfully defend their capital from attacks. They also helped to preserve Greek literature and spread Christianity. The most important reason we should study the Byzantine Empire may be the Justinian code. This set of laws, written by the second leader of the Empire, influenced justice in the modern world. These are some of the reasons it is
Many attempts were made to attack the city, but the walls, towers, and moat were effective in keeping the enemy away. In The Great Ages of Man; Byzantium, Sherrard details the multiple layers of thick walls and archers perched high atop towers. Because Constantinople was able to withstand these attacks, the Byzantine people were able to preserve their Christian faith and Christianity continued to spread. John J. Norwich, in A Short History of Byzantine, states that if the city of Constantinople had been captured by the Arabs, Europe and America might be Muslim today. Another contribution by the Byzantines helped to provide much of the Greek literature studied today. They recopied poems, plays, and scientific works from Homer, Socrates, Aristotle and others that may not have survived otherwise according to Mango in The Revival of Learning. All of these reasons show that the Byzantines are a significant part of history, however, their most important contribution may be found in their