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Description

The Byzantine Empire (395-1453 CE) was a large cultural center that included a meshing of different societies in terms of trade. Located along the Mediterranean Sea, the empire had a monopoly of sea trade, leading to their multiple years of success under many different ruling emperors. Many different countries brought with them pieces of their culture and textile materials to the Byzantine Empire.

Around 500 A.D. China was known for their silk making textiles, holding the secret of their creation for many years until a group of traveling monks in Europe were able to smuggle out silkworm eggs from China, the main component of creating silk. These eggs would be transferred to the Byzantine empire, who began their own version of silks that would even rival those from China in terms of quality. These silks would soon transform the Empire, adding to their sophistication and elegance in art styles, influencing the Mediterranean World.

Keywords

Byzantium, Byzantine Empire, case study, textiles, art

Disciplines

Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque Art and Architecture | History of Art, Architecture, and Archaeology

Case Study of Byzantium

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