Page "Constantinople" Paragraph 74

The Byzantine Empire used Roman and Greek architectural models and styles to create its own unique type of architecture.

The influence of Byzantine architecture and art can be seen in the copies taken from it throughout Europe.

Particular examples include St Mark's Basilica in Venice, the basilicas of Ravenna, and many churches throughout the Slavic East.

Also, alone in Europe until the 13th century Italian florin, the Empire continued to produce sound gold coinage, the solidus of Diocletian becoming the bezant prized throughout the Middle Ages.

Its city walls were much imitated ( for example, see Caernarfon Castle ) and its urban infrastructure was moreover a marvel throughout the Middle Ages, keeping alive the art, skill and technical expertise of the Roman Empire.