Similarities Between Byzantine Empire And Western Europe

The political institutions of the Byzantine Empire, and Western Europe had many similarities, as well as a number of differences. Western Europe prior to the fall the Byzantine Empire had a similar political system; however, as time transpired, Western Europe began to develop different political structures such as manorialism and feudalism. The Byzantine Empire, having remarkable similarities to China’s political systems, was deeply rooted in an one of history’s most elaborate bureaucracies. Both were eventually affected by the schism of 1054 between the East and the West, and conflicts between both sides had an influence on the political structures of both Western Europe, and the Byzantine Empire. Byzantine political patterns resembled the earlier Chinese system. An emperor, ordained by God and surrounded by elaborate court ritual, headed both church and state. (p.198) Women occasionally held the throne. One example of a female ruler being Empress Theodora, who was Justinian’s wife. An elaborate

In terms of political and social structures, manorialism and feudalism were two major ones in Western Europe. Manorialism was a system of reciprocal economic and political obligations between landlords and peasants. Most individuals were serfs living on self-sufficient agricultural estates, also known as manors. In return for protection, they gave lords part of their crops and provided labor services. (p.215) Years later, Western Europe became very prosperous, and this prosperity promoted political change, influenced by structures established in more unstable times. (p.219) Feudal relationships usually linked wealthy people, such as landowners, who would afford the tools necessary to fight. These greater lords, provided protection and aid to lesser lords, called vassals; vassals in turn owned them payment or military service. Charlemagne’s empire encouraged this version of