Question

Compare the maps of the Byzantine Empire under the rule of Justinian I and the Roman Empire under the rule of Trajan. Which statement best identifies a similarity between the territories controlled?

A) Neither empire controlled the entire Mediterranean coastline.

B) Both empires controlled Mesopotamia and the Italian Peninsula.

C) Neither empire controlled the entire Iberian Peninsula.

D) Both empires controlled Asia Minor and the Italian Peninsula.

Answer 1

Both the Byzantine Empire under Justinian I and the Roman Empire under Trajan controlled the Italian Peninsula and Asia Minor. This reflects a period of territorial expansion in both empires, despite different challenges and historical contexts they faced. The correct option is D) Both empires controlled Asia Minor and the Italian Peninsula.

Step-by-step explanation:

When comparing the maps of the Byzantine Empire under Justinian I and the Roman Empire under Trajan, a similarity between the territories controlled is that both empires controlled Asia Minor and the Italian Peninsula. Under Justinian I, the Byzantine Empire expanded to its largest geographical area, including the Italian Peninsula and the southern Iberian Peninsula, as well areas in the Balkans, north Africa, and the Levant.

Meanwhile, the Roman Empire at its greatest expand during Trajan's rule also included the Italian Peninsula and stretched across large parts of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, including Asia Minor.

However, neither empire held the entire Mediterranean coastline or the entire Iberian Peninsula at the time. The Byzantine and Roman Empires had different trajectories of expansion and contraction influenced by various military, cultural, and political factors over the centuries.

Nevertheless, during the height of Justinian's reign and the peak of Trajan's rule, there is a clear overlap in their control of both the Italian Peninsula and Asia Minor.