The Byzantine Empire were the first ones to develop forks. They were also the ones who improved on domed architecture. Although the Romans were the ones who invented it, the Byzantine Empire were the ones that polished it. An example of it is the Hagia Sophia church which is beautiful. This style emerged in Greece, Russia, Turkey, and other parts of Europe. They also preserved classical learning. The paintings and writings in the Middle Ages were kept well preserved by the Byzantine Empire who kept them safe.