Thesis: Byzantine Art and Architecture (and Early Christian Art) were the main influence for most art and architecture later created in the Western world.
The Byzantine Empire was one of the strongest civilizations in the world. When Roman Empire was divided in 395 the Western half was ruled by the barbarians until the 5th Century, while the Eastern half (the Byzantine Empire) remained strong for over 1,000 years. The Art and Architecture that was produced during this Era is extremely impressive and very distinguished.
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