One major difference in the economic practices of the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire lies in their reliance on different sources of wealth. While the Roman Empire heavily relied on agriculture as the backbone of its economy, the Byzantine Empire, particularly during its later years, focused more on trade and commerce. The Byzantine Empire developed a complex and well-organized system of taxation, which facilitated trade and the collection of revenue. Additionally, the Byzantine Empire's strategic location at the crossroads between Europe and Asia allowed it to control key trade routes, enabling a flourishing trade network that contributed significantly to its economy. On the other hand, the Roman Empire, although also engaged in trade, was more reliant on agricultural production, with large estates dedicated to the cultivation of crops and the use of slave labor.
