The Byzantine Empire was responsible for the codification of Roman law, which became the basis of legal systems in many parts of the world. The Corpus Juris Civilis, or "Body of Civil Law", was compiled under the direction of Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. It consisted of four parts: the Code, the Digest, the Institutes, and the Novels. The Code was a collection of imperial laws, the Digest was a collection of legal opinions and writings from Roman jurists, the Institutes was a textbook of Roman law for students, and the Novels were new laws issued by Justinian. The Corpus Juris Civilis was a major achievement in legal scholarship, and it had a profound influence on the development of law in Europe and beyond.
Byzantine architecture:
Byzantine architecture is characterized by its use of domes, arches, and vaults. The most famous example of Byzantine architecture is the Hagia Sophia, which was built in the 6th century in Constantinople. The Hagia Sophia is a masterpiece of engineering and design, and it is considered one of the most important buildings in the world. Other examples of Byzantine architecture include the Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople, the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, and the Cathedral of St. Demetrios in Thessaloniki. Byzantine architecture had a significant influence on the development of architecture in Europe, Russia, and the Middle East.
The preservation of classical Greek and Roman learning:
The Byzantine Empire played a vital role in preserving the classical Greek and Roman learning. The Byzantine scholars copied and preserved many classical works, which would otherwise have been lost. The Byzantine Empire was also a center of learning, and its scholars made significant contributions to mathematics, astronomy, philosophy, and medicine. The Byzantine Empire was a major catalyst for the Renaissance in Europe, as Byzantine scholars fled to the West after the fall of Constantinople in 1453.
Byzantine art:
Byzantine art is characterized by its use of gold, silver, and precious stones. The most famous example of Byzantine art is the mosaic of the Virgin Mary and Child in the Hagia Sophia. Byzantine art also includes icons, which are religious paintings that are used for worship. Byzantine art had a significant influence on the development of art in Europe and Russia.