How did religion
and trade
impacted life in
the Byzantine
Empire?

Trade and commerce were essential components of the success and expansion of the Byzantine Empire. Trade was carried out by ship over vast distances, although for safety, most sailing vessels were restricted to the better weather conditions between April and October. The Byzantine Empire influenced many cultures, primarily due to its role in shaping Christian Orthodoxy. The modern-day Eastern Orthodox Church is the second largest Christian church in the world. ... Byzantine architecture, particularly in religious buildings, can be found in diverse regions from Egypt to Russia.