The Roman and Byzantine empire practice
The Roman Empire practiced a form of government known as an autocracy, in which an emperor held absolute power. The emperors ruled with the assistance of a bureaucracy and were advised by a council known as the Senate. The empire also had a complex system of laws, known as the Roman Law, which influenced legal systems throughout Europe.
The Byzantine Empire, which was the Eastern half of the Roman Empire after the division in 285 AD, also had an autocratic form of government. The emperor in Byzantium was considered to be both the political and religious leader of the empire. The emperor had a large bureaucracy to assist with administrative tasks and had a council of advisors. The empire also had a complex legal system known as the Corpus Juris Civilis, which served as the basis for later Byzantine and European legal systems.
Both the Roman and Byzantine empires practiced a form of polytheistic religion, with the Roman Empire initially worshiping the traditional Roman gods and later adopting Christianity as the state religion. The Byzantine Empire, on the other hand, became the center of Eastern Orthodoxy and played a crucial role in the development and spread of that branch of Christianity. Religion played a significant role in both empires, with the emperors often having power and influence over religious matters.
In terms of culture and society, both empires were heavily influenced by Greek and Hellenistic traditions. They developed a rich artistic, architectural, and literary tradition that blended Roman and Greek elements. The empires also had a robust system of education, with a focus on classical literature and philosophy.
Economically, the Roman and Byzantine empires both had a strong focus on agriculture, trade, and commerce. The Roman Empire built an extensive network of roads, known as the Roman roads, which facilitated trade and communication throughout the empire. The Byzantine Empire, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, became a major center of trade and economic activity, connecting the East and West.
Overall, the Roman and Byzantine empires practiced a form of autocratic government, had a strong emphasis on religion, were influenced by Greek and Hellenistic culture, and had a focus on agriculture, trade, and commerce.