Question

Compare and contrast medieval Europe and the Byzantine Empire by completing the Venn diagram. List similarities in the overlapping parts of the oval and differences in the part of the oval that does not overlap. Include information on each of these topics:

• Work and wealth
• Cultural influence
• Power
• Religion

Answer 1

In medieval Europe, the economy was mainly based on agriculture and feudalism, while the Byzantine Empire had a more diverse economy and controlled important trade routes. Medieval Europe was influenced by Christianity and feudalism, while the Byzantine Empire was influenced by Greek and Roman traditions and Christianity. Political power in medieval Europe was decentralized, while the Byzantine Empire had a strong centralized government. Both societies had Christianity as their dominant religion, but the Byzantine Empire had a closer relationship between the state and the Orthodox Church.

Step-by-step explanation:

Comparison of Medieval Europe and the Byzantine Empire:

Work and wealth:

1. Medieval Europe: The economy in medieval Europe was primarily based on agriculture and feudalism, with the majority of the population engaged in farming or working for land-owning nobles. Trade and commerce were less developed compared to Byzantium.
2. Byzantine Empire: Byzantium had a more centralized government and a stronger economy compared to medieval Europe. It had a more diverse economic system, with a mix of agriculture, industry, and trade. The empire was known for its prosperous cities and its control over important trade routes.

Cultural influence:

1. Medieval Europe: The culture in medieval Europe was heavily influenced by Christianity and feudalism. Art and architecture were mainly focused on the construction of cathedrals and castles.
2. Byzantine Empire: Byzantine culture was greatly influenced by Greek and Roman traditions, as well as Christianity. The empire's art and architecture were characterized by intricate mosaics, iconography, and the construction of magnificent churches and palaces.

Power:

1. Medieval Europe: Political power in medieval Europe was decentralized and fragmented. Feudalism was the dominant political system, with local lords holding power over their own territories.
2. Byzantine Empire: The Byzantine Empire had a strong centralized government, with the emperor as the ultimate authority. The empire had a highly organized bureaucracy and a well-developed military.

Religion:

1. Medieval Europe: Christianity was the dominant religion in medieval Europe, with the Roman Catholic Church holding significant influence over the lives of the people.
2. Byzantine Empire: The official religion of the Byzantine Empire was Orthodox Christianity. The emperor played a central role in religious affairs and had authority over the Orthodox Church