Between the eighth and eleventh centuries A. D, the Byzantine Empire staged an almost un- paralleled economic and cultural revival, a recovery that is all the more striking because it followed a long period of severe internal decline. By the early eighth century, the empire had lost roughly two thirds of the territory it had possessed in the year 600, and its remaining area was being raided by Arabs and Bulgarians, who at times threatened to take Constantinople and extinguish the empire altogether. The wealth of the state and its subjects was greatly diminished and artistic and literary production had virtually ceased. By the early eleventh century, however, the empire had regained al- most half of its lost possessions, its new frontiers were secure, and its influence extended far beyond its borders. The economy had recovered, the treasury was full, and art and scholarship had advanced.
To consider the Byzantine military, cultural, and economic advances as differentiated
A. To show that Augustan Rome and fifth-century Athens are examples of cultural, economic, and military expansion against which all subsequent cases must be measured.
B. To suggest that cultural, economic and military advances have tended to be closely interrelated in different societies.
C. To argue that, while the revivals of Augustan Rome and fifth-century Athens were similar, they are unrelated to other historical examples.
D. To indicate that, wherever possible, historians should seek to make comparisons with the earliest chronological examples of revival.
Between the eighth and eleventh centuries A. D, the Byzantine Empire staged an almost un- paralleled economic and cultural revival, a recovery that is all the more striking because it followed a long period of severe internal decline. By the early eighth century, the empire had lost roughly two thirds of the territory it had possessed in the year 600, and its remaining area was being raided by Arabs and Bulgarians, who at times threatened to take Constantinople and extinguish the empire altogether. The wealth of the state and its subjects was greatly diminished and artistic and literary production had virtually ceased. By the early eleventh century, however, the empire had regained al- most half of its lost possessions, its new frontiers were secure, and its influence extended far beyond its borders. The economy had recovered, the treasury was full, and art and scholarship had advanced.
To consider the Byzantine military, cultural, and economic advances as differentiated
A. The Byzantine military revival of the 860's led to economic and cultural advances.
B. The Byzantine cultural revival lasted until 1453.
C. The Byzantine economic recovery began in the 900's.
D. The revival of Byzantine began toward the end of the eighth century.
我来回答:
