Individuals & Societies

Academic Year 2023-2024/ 1st Semester

Teachers’ Name: Sally Khader Year: 4
Student’s Name: Qais Al Jariri
Subject Group: Individuals and Societies
Day & Date: ……………………….
Duration: 4 Hours
Criteria (B, C) Formative Assessment
Task: Research & Presentation
Unit Title: The Untold Stories MYP Year: 4 Duration of the Unit:
25 hrs.
Key Concept: Change Related Concept(s): Civilization , conflict
Global Context: Scientific & technical innovation Opportunity
ATL Skill ATL Skill Clusters Description
Categories
Communication Communication Negotiate ideas and knowledge with peers and
teachers.
Research Information Collect, record and verify data.
literacy, Media
literacy

Goal: To reflect your understanding of how change may impact the evolution of civilization
driven by opportunities related to scientific innovation.
Learners will work in group to complete the task.

The purpose of this task is to investigate and respond to the question; To what extent would
the world have been better off without………………………?

1- Fatimid Caliphate
2- Byzantine Empire
3- Mamluk Dynasty
 Action Plan:
 Role: You are a college student studying history.
 Audience: Professor and peer students
 Situation: You are a college student studying history. During one of your courses, your
professor assigned you homework to write about one of the three empires. You need to
investigate and collect evidence for five defining features of the empire throughout the
milestones of their ruling era.
 You are also given the following question to gather information and base your findings upon
To what extent would the world have been better off without………………...?

(Fatimid Caliphate/ Byzantine Empire/ Mamluk Dynasty)

Each team leader should assign one aspect per individual to work on:
Categories to be covered within each empire:
- Show transition and technical innovation and opportunities for growth, what happened
within the decline the phase and the opportunity of other empires in their fall.
- Military, government, economy, trade, law enforcement, construction for defense
- Reason for the collapse,
- Focus on the sub-categories.
- Art
- Architecture
- Infrastructure
- Sciences
- Medicine
- Economy
- Cultural exchange

 Product: Your final product is criterion B investigation template, a graphic organizer

representing your findings and a 4 minutes visual presentation of your explanation as a
group.

Standard: Criterion B. Investigating:

Level descriptor
Task Specific indicator
Level

1-2 The student: You were able to:

i. identifies a research question that is clear, focused and
relevant
ii. formulates a limited action plan or does not follow a
plan
iii. collects and records limited or sometimes irrelevant
information
i. identify a research question that is clear, focused and relevant to empire
and its relationship to specific research sub-topic.
ii. formulate a limited action plan or does not follow a plan
iii. Collect and record limited or sometimes irrelevant information on the
specified empire
 iv. With guidance, reflects on the research process and
iv. With guidance, reflect on the research process and results by writing
results in a limited way.
strengths and weaknesses in a limited way.
The student:
You were able to:
i. formulates/chooses a research question that is clear
i. formulate/choose main and sub-research question that is clear and
and focused and describes its relevance
focused and describe its relevance to specific research sub-topic
ii. formulates and occasionally follows a partial action
ii. formulate and occasionally follow a partial action plan to investigate a
plan to investigate a
3-4 research question
research question
iii. Use a method(s) to collect and record some relevant information on
iii. uses a method(s) to collect and record some relevant
specified empire ..
information
iv. With guidance, reflect on the research process and results by writing
iv. With guidance, reflects on the research process and
strengths and weaknesses.
results.
The student:
You were able to:
i. formulates/chooses a clear and focused research
i. Formulate/choose a clear and focused main and sub- research question
question and describes
and describes its relevance to its relevance to specific research sub-topic in
its relevance in detail
detail.
ii. formulates and mostly follows a sufficiently developed
ii. Formulate and mostly follow a sufficiently developed action plan to
5-6 action plan to
investigate a research question
investigate a research question
iii. Use method to collect and record appropriate relevant information on
iii. uses methods to collect and record appropriate
the specified empire sub-topic
relevant information
iv. With guidance, evaluate on the research process and results by writing
iv. with guidance, evaluates on the research process and
strengths and weaknesses.
results
You were able to:
The students: i. Formulate/choose a clear and focused main and sub- research question
i. formulates/chooses a clear and focused research and explain its relevance to specific research sub-topic
question and explains its relevance ii. formulates and
effectively follows a consistent action plan to investigate ii. Formulate and effectively follow a consistent action plan to investigate a
7-8 a research question research question
iii. Uses methods to collect and record appropriate and iii. Use methods to collect and record appropriate and varied relevant
varied relevant information information on the specified empire sub-topic
iv. With guidance, provides a detailed evaluation of the
research process and results. iv. With guidance, provide a detailed evaluation of the research process
and results by writing strengths and weaknesses.

Part 1: Investigation process:

Criterion B: Investigating strand (i.) formulate a clear and focused research question and justify its relevance

Formulate a clear and focused main and sub-research questions. Remember to

explain your choices thoroughly to justify its relevance with appropriate evidence.

(Formulate: Express precisely and systematically the relevant concept(s) or argument(s).)

Guiding questions:

 What does it mean to have a clear and focused research question?

  What elements should be found when formulating your research question?

a. Main research question: To what extent would the world have been better
off without the Byzantine Empire?

Questio Question Relevance Context

n No
Investigate and This question is relevant as the economic The question is from
1 analyze the system of the byzantine empire is what the economic context of
economic system elevated it to the stage of an empire and its the byzantine empire, it
employed by the economic stability and flexibility also explores the systematic
byzantine empire allowed expansion within different sectors advantage of the
through the use of of the world effectively and efficiently. economic system and
trade Therefore, the classification of the the essential elements
Byzantine as an empire is the product of employed within.
economic success and logistical superiority
over their enemies and allies as well.
Identify the main This question evaluates the economic The context of finance
2 elements of finance elements of finance and banking within and banking within the
and banking used the byzantine economy; thus, it is able to byzantine empire is
in the byzantine reveal a systematic process which was based on theoretical
empire. Justify endured by the Byzantine citizens in their beliefs created by
their efficiency and everyday lives emphasizing the efficiency political factions,
effectiveness of the process and exploring its economic therefore, contextually
effect on the success of the Byzantine this question explores
empire. the daily financial lives
of everyday civilians
Interpret data to This question utilizes the data provided This question is
3 explore the main throughout historical texts to analyze the contextually accurate as
trade nodes present efficiency of trade nodes and the the byzantine empire
within the dependencies on sea trading exploring controlled most major
byzantine empire different aspects of trade nodes such as trade nodes within the
the friendliness of the sea, level of Mediterranean Sea
advancement within port infrastructure, proving their inherent
and the location of trade nodes in economic dominance
proportion with the known allies and and efficient industrial
enemies. expansion
Discuss the ethical This question explores the ethical
4 viewpoint of the evaluation point encompassing all
economic system economical elements dictating whether
utilized by the ethics had a standpoint in the success of
byzantine empire the Byzantine economy, this may be
explored through rights, freedoms,
slavery, working conditions, etc.
Explore the This question explores the essence of the
5 timeline of the economy of the byzantine empire
byzantine empire including the movements and ideas which
including developed and nurtured the economy
socioeconomic creating one of the richest empires in its
movements, trade time.
ideas, innovation
within economic
Socioeconomic movements embodied a
infrastructure
huge role when it came to privatizing
industries and institutions creating a
structured stable economy

Trade ideas played a major role in the

annual revenue income for the Byzantine
empire which was the main reason of
success when it came to structured
 expansion

Economic infrastructure in the form of

warehouses and ports occupied a crucial
distinct role not just in the empire’s
economy but also in its work life culture
Explain the This question incorporates multiple
6 infrastructural concepts including the use of
system employed infrastructure showcasing the efficiency of
throughout the each and every element present within the
byzantine empire. economic cycle of the Byzantine empire
Evaluate the employing visual representations such as
efficiency of the graphs to deploy and represent my
infrastructure. understanding.
Synthesize a graph
to represent the
change in efficiency
of infrastructure
because of scientific
and technical
innovation
Interpret the Interpreting economic change has an
7 change endured by expansive and significant role in
the byzantine formulating the most accurate answer for
throughout their the main research question by using the
economic timeline timeline of economic change as a marker
to the socioeconomic roles of the empire

Each and every concept should be

explored when it comes to the economic
timeline therefore concepts such as
conflict and innovation must be
incorporated into the main exploration of
each and every finding present within the
research.
Identify the main This question is of an interesting take as it
8 types of buildings employs architectural understanding to
and structures that further analyze the economic timeline of
created the the byzantine empire.
foundation for
civilization within
Firstly, the use of domestic buildings will
the economic
be explored as to demonstrate their effect
timeline of the
on expansion capabilities through land
byzantine empire
expansion and economic expansion.

Secondly, the use of economic functional

buildings will be researched as the
interdependent design of the economic
web through unique warehouses and ports
allowed for the byzantine empire to
become one of the greats.
Analyze the effects Conflicts have been a major economic
9 of conflicts with factor that has driven success or halted it
neighboring and completely. Therefore, it is a matter of
international extreme relevance to analyze the political
entities on trade effects of conflicts on the economic state of
income and the country as to evaluate the significance
export/import rates of the empire to today’s world.
Evaluate the effect This question delves deeply into the
10 of taxes on social concept of taxes which has been
life prominently avoided in the past, it
evaluates the basic essence of tax
collection and provides a coherent logical
analysis of the basic taxation system in the
empire
 Employ This question delves into the political
11 understanding to correlation with economic state more
investigate the deeply as to evaluate the direct
connection between proportional relationship between
socioeconomic political events and the economic state of
events and political the nation mainly focusing on both
relations civil/domestic conflicts and international
conflicts as well.
Interpret the effects Finally, the inquiry presented to the left
12 of psychological initiates an analysis into the psychological
traits on trade and standpoint of the economic state within
economic solutions the byzantine empire focusing on
within the psychological concepts such as Maslow’s
byzantine empire hierarchy of need effectively presenting
the direct correlation between
psychological nature and economic
trends/patterns.

Concept Relevance
Leadership Leadership is extremely
relevant to the topic as
under an effective
leader the Byzantine
empire became one of
the biggest in history
and controlled the
global economy
however when selfish
leaders came the empire
fell chunk by chunk
Civilization Civilization is the
concept of civil life and
each and every single
empire has and should
have embodied it and in
this case the Byzantium
empire has embodied it
Context Context is extremely
significant as different
contexts create different
perceptions and
therefore different
ideals and different
parallel timelines of the
same events therefore
 context must always
remain the same
Scientific and technical This concept is
Innovation extremely important as
it evaluates how the
Byzantium empire
developed and
innovated from an
economic context
allowing its domestic
expansion
Societal and cultural These dictates the social
Norms atmosphere of the
empire and essentially
constructs its newfound
modernized cultured
self to create a
comprehensive cultural
structure.
Turning Points They are the points at
which change occurs
and they are extremely
relevant as they
dictated the economic
timeline of the
Byzantine Empire
Change By which something
switches to another
state caused the
creation of the empire
as well as its fall
Function Function is relevant as
it explores the role of
each concept into that
of achieving a certain
function and in unity
creating the most
dominant economy in
the world at that time
for a short period of
 time

c. Follow an action plan:

Criterion B: Investigating strand (ii.) formulate and follow an action plan to investigate a research
question

Fill out the table below by outlining the tasks to be completed by the end of this
task. Make sure you include all steps conducted in the research including citing
sources of information and reflecting on the research processes and results.

Class Date Tasks to be completed Check if

# completed
or not

1 20/11/2023 Firstly, the full task is to be read, analyzed, Completed

November and interpreted. Each and every aspect must
7:16 PM be considered, evaluated, and given its
appropriate priority.
1. The criteria must be first analyzed
with each aspect evaluated, and
interpreted. Each strand must be
explored in reference to the 7-8 level
in accordance with the specific word
choice used for the 7-8 criteria
2. Secondly, the task is to be explored
noting the requirements, allocations
of empires and state aspects,
requisite sources required, and the
focused research question
3. Thirdly, a detailed accurate offsite
plan will be formulated where each
concept is outlined carefully in
accordance with the given task; this
must be done as to maintain a sense
of organization and self-
management throughout the full
task
4. Fourthly and lastly, I will begin the
 task and begin executing each of the
following steps

2 20/11/2023 I will begin by formulating questions Completed

November exploring the economic aspect of the
7:33 PM Byzantine empire with emphasis on taxation
and trade
1) I will first begin by formulating 10-15
questions that explore the conceptual
understanding around the economy of
the byzantine empire
a) This will include the following
questions:
i) Investigate and analyze the
economic system employed by
the byzantine empire through
the use of trade
ii) Identify the main elements of
finance and banking used in the
byzantine empire. Justify their
efficiency and effectiveness
iii) Interpret data to explore the
main trade nodes present within
the byzantine empire
iv) Discuss the ethical viewpoint of
the economic system utilized by
the byzantine empire
v) Explore the timeline of the
byzantine empire including
socioeconomic movements,
trade ideas, innovation within
economic infrastructure
vi) Explain the infrastructural
system employed throughout
the byzantine empire. Evaluate
the efficiency of the
infrastructure. Synthesize a
graph to represent the change in
efficiency of infrastructure
because of scientific and
technical innovation
vii) Interpret the change endured by
the byzantine throughout their
economic timeline
viii) Identify the main types of
buildings and structures that
created the foundation for
 civilization within the economic
timeline of the byzantine empire
ix) Analyze the effects of conflicts
with neighboring and
international entities on trade
income and export/import rates
x) Evaluate the effect of taxes on
social life
xi) Employ understanding to
investigate the connection
between socioeconomic events
and political relations
xii) Interpret the effects of
psychological traits on trade and
economic solutions within the
byzantine empire
2) I will begin to explore the relevance
between the focused research question
and the main topic of the task with
contextual references to historical norms
within the byzantine empire
3) Then I will begin to explain the relevance
and context of each of the questions in a
concise yet accurate manner, exploring
the historical context in proportion with
historical standards and ties.
4) Then I will explain the relevance
between each of the main unit concepts
with the task itself

3 20/11/2023 I will formulate a detailed action plan with Completed

November multiple steps, multilevel bullet points,
9:03 PM expansive directions, and coherent
language. Each step should be concise,
straight to the point, yet conceptually
accurate.
1) Each step will corollate with steps taken
in the actual completion of the task
2) Each step will have a recorded time
frame with specific dates and times
3) Lastly, each step will have concise and
impartial reflection towards the
performance showcased when initiating
the step
4 21/11/2023 I will begin to conduct effective research as Completed
November to answer each and every given question
2:47 within the suitable historical context
1) Research will be conducted with the goa
 to find 10+ reliable resources with aa
minimum of 3 in the primary state while
the others are considered as a secondary
state
2) Then each and every source will be
paraphrased as to only mention the
wanted information answering each of
the compiled questions efficiently and
effectively
3) Then each source will be cited using both
MLA 9th edition citation in conjunction
with In-Text citation
4) Then 10 OPVL will be efficiently
structured as to evaluate the security,
reliability, and accuracy of each and
every source present
5) After that the website check table will be
filled out as to create a simpler concise
yet accurate overview of the reliability
of the sources used
5 21/11/2023 After that I will begin to synthesize multiple
November visual representations as to create a more
6:49 PM complete and comprehensive product
through the following visuals
1) I will first create a simple graph as to
show differences between economic
infrastructure during the byzantine
period based on different settings
2) I will create a mind map of the many
different concepts providing a concise
overview of the concepts to be explored
within the research task
3) Thirdly, I will create a KWL chart to
summarize my understanding in a
synthesized and cohesive manner
encompassing all major elements related
to the task itself
4) Fourthly, I will add any other visual
representations from secondary sources
such as data driven graphs and visual
images of recreations of Byzantine
infrastructure
6 21/11/2023 I will reassess my performance within this Completed
November formative task by evaluating it from a
7:34 PM neutral standpoint and then reflecting on
the performance from my own personal
viewpoint
1) I will first explore the strengths of the
 task from a neutral standpoint
evaluating the performance within the
task
2) I will then explore my performance from
a personal standpoint focusing on my
own perception of the performance
within the task
3) Then I will analyze the challenges of the
task employing a neutral viewpoint with
a non-specific interpretation
4) Lastly, I will analyze the challenges faced
within this task from a personal
viewpoint taking into consideration
personal challenges and personal
circumstances

*Your action plan should include an OPVL chart with both primary and secondary
sources (make sure you self-check using Grammarly.com or Free plagiarism.com)

Link: https://www.thecollector.com/byzantine-economy-collapse-medieval-times/

Document Type Origin Purpose Value Limitation

Website This website is a The purpose of This source is The absence of

secondary source this website and extremely clear
written by a article is to valuable as it sophisticated data
singular author educate students, provides valued present in the
named Jack educators, impartial insight form of visual
Crawford. He is a historians, and towards the charts and graphs
contributing professors about byzantine has created a
writer to The the economic stat economy in which gaping hole in the
Collector of the byzantine every single integrity of the
 Commercial site. empire delving element is website.
He has a deep into the analyzed and the Secondly, the
bachelors degree different diverse purpose of each absence of a
in medieval ideas of trade, aspect is depicted second author
history obtained production, showcasing the makes this source
form St. Andrews, taxation, and strengths and rather unreliable
and a masters in economic weaknesses of the as all the
Anglo-Saxon, movements in byzantine information is
Norse, and Celtic which the economy and explored from
at the University economy is fully allowing modern one viewpoint
of Cambridge. analyzed to the economists to with one
Therefore, his fullest extent build sustainable, perspective
credentials are where clear influential, and creating potential
valid and he is accurate booming for bias
qualified to write deductions are economies
this article. The made and the through different
article was targeted audience ideas such as the
Published by a is able to fully concept of central
commercial site understand the banking systems
named The structure of the operated by the
Collector; it was economy of the state
published on byzantine empire.
December 28th
2020 rendering it
a 3-year-old
source. Finally,
this source is
extremely reliable
and trustworthy.

Link: https://www.jstor.org/stable/26768924

Document Type Origin Purpose Value Limitation

Journal; This Journal is a The purpose of This source is This source is

Publication primary source this publication is highly and relatively limited
presented in the to educate extremely as firstly there are
electronic format. students, valuable as it no data driven
It is written by educators, provides an visual
George C. historians, and impartial representations in
Maniatis and professors about viewpoint that is the form of
there is no other the state of the solely analytical graphs present
 author mentioned byzantine towards the throughout the
or provided. The economy economic state of publication.
author does not including the the Byzantine Secondly, the
have any evaluation of the economy mainly author has no
credentials listed unpopular system focusing on the proven
online rather it is used by the institutions credentials and
believed that he Byzantine where present within the therefore he can’t
has a major the different empire and the just be biased but
related to the industries were legal and he can also be
disciplines of primarily economic sub unreliable.
sciences and/or privatized and structure needed Thirdly, this
Engineering with directly controlled to form these source was
an embed of by private institutions. published in 2016
historical analysis. institutions making it
The publication depicting the extremely
was published in significance of outdated. Lastly,
2016 as the 86th these institutions there is only one
volume from on the economic author limiting
pages 205-259 state of the the perspectives
depicting the empire. and hindering the
Economic accuracy of the
Institutions of the analysis
Byzantine State

Link: https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1179/trade-in-the-byzantine-empire/

Document Type Origin Purpose Value Limitation

Encyclopedia This source is a The purpose of This source is This source is

Article secondary source this article is to utterly invaluable somewhat limited
written by Mark educate students, as it holds key as firstly the
Cartwright who is educators, information Bibliography
a fulltime historians, and involving provided is
author/writer professors about historical lingual limited and does
with a Masters in the economic contexts deriving not contain any
political state of the from historical direct access to
philosophy Byzantine empire texts directly those sources as
obtained from specifically linking trade with MLA9th edition
The University of depicting the the idea of culture was not used.
York and a aspect of trade and indirectly Secondly, the
bachelors in within the empire proving trade as presence of only
politics from the focusing on the most one author limits
University of imports and important the analytical
Teesside. This exports of the asset/commodity perspectives that
article was country and its the empire had at may be
published by the trade dominance its arsenal. approachable.
interdependent within their time Thirdly and lasty,
 organizations of period of the absence of
World History existence, this data driven
Publishing and source also graphs and charts
World History explores the may hinder the
Foundation in involvement of reliability of the
partnership with stat affairs within information
UNESCO (The trade sectors. present and it
United Nations also may affect
Educational, the understanding
Scientific, and of the reader by
Cultural further hindering
Organization). it and or
This source was confusing the
published on the reader.
18th of January
2018.

Link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/history-banking-alexander-christodoulakis

Document Type Origin Purpose Value Limitation

Article This source is a The purpose of This source is This source has
secondary source this article is to increasingly some limitations.
presented in the educate students, valued as it Firstly, the author
form of an article. educators, provides accurate of the article does
This article was historians, and concise not have any
written by an professors about coherently credentials in the
author named the history of narrated form of university
Alexander banking and information about degrees
Christodoulakis finance using finance and reauthenticating
who is a historical banking systems his limited
successful references to; but referencing the reliability.
entrepreneur, he not limited to; the Byzantine empire, Secondly, the
is the CEO of PBS Byzantine empire. this allows for absence of
SA Capital Group It provides an readers to obtain multiple visual
and He is also the expansive view a more representations in
President of into the history of comprehensive the form of
Portland Marine banking and its understanding of pictures and data
Group of full foundation the banking driven charts
Companies. and makeup institutions in the creates a lack of
Moreover, this generally byzantine empire accurate
source was exploring its greatly affecting perception. Lastly,
published by different the readers the presence of
LinkedIn which is interpretations perception of only one author
a trusted platform throughout financial concepts greatly inhibits
with accurate and history as a within the the perception of
detailed functional byzantine empire the ideas from the
 information. It financial system. perspective of the
was published on reader.
October 2nd 2018
rendering it 5
years old.

Link: https://etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/1374/1/Shea10PhD.pdf

Document Type Origin Purpose Value Limitation

University Thesis This paper is a The purpose of This paper is This source is
Research Paper primary case this article is to extremely somewhat limited
study in the form educate students, valuable as it because firstly the
of a detailed educators, provides an absence of figures
profile. Written by historians, and accurate, provides a great
Jonathan Shea, he professors about detailed, restriction for this
is qualified as he the prolonged, document.
received his PhD socioeconomic coherent, Secondly, the
in philosophy movement of the comprehensive, absence of
from the late Byzantine analysis of multiple authors
university of Empire and its socioeconomic may create
Birmingham after institutional profiles and it also potential for bias
submitting this profile providing a explores the and non-
exact source as a direct full detailed connotations of perceptive views.
thesis. This source analysis of the each and every Thirdly, the
was published by subject at hand concept related to extreme details of
The university of with impeccable the economic and the document
Birmingham; use of related and institutional may make it a
College of Arts significant profile of the late difficult task to
and Law; Institute concepts. Byzantine empire read it in full
of Archaeology dampening its
and Antiquity. It lasting effect on
was published in the reader.
2010 meaning it is
outdated.

Link: https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/byzantine1/x4b0eb531:middle-
byzantine/a/middle-byzantine-secular-architecture-and-urban-planning

Document Type Origin Purpose Value Limitation

Article This article is a The purpose of This source is This source is

secondary source this article is to completely somewhat limited
written by Dr. educate students, invaluable as it as firstly there is
Robert G. educators, provides an no data driven
Ousterhout. He is historians, and impartial graphs and/or
a renowned professors about analytical charts dictating a
 professor at the Middle viewpoint weakness in the
UPenn known Byzantine Secular towards the reliability of the
most notably for Architecture and urban planning source. Secondly,
his contributions Urban planning sector of the no references
to publications encompassing Byzantine empire and/or
including domestic through the use bibliography is
Visualizing buildings and of diagrams and provided creating
Community: Art, their models with the grounds for
Material Culture, infrastructure addition of maps potential
and Settlement in exploring the as to create a plagiarism
Byzantine different layouts detailed profile on discrediting the
Cappadocia, present within urban and rural whole source and
Dumbarton Oaks. each building planning within stripping it of any
This article was the Middle reliability.
published by khan Byzantine period
Academy which is
a renowned
organization
committed to the
prospect of
education. The
article was last
updated in 2023
by an
independent
editor as the
author is dead.

Link: http://yenikapibatiklari.com/en/salvage-excavations/theodosius-limani

Document Type Origin Purpose Value Limitation

Brief Profile There is no The purpose of This source is This source is

provided author this article is to somewhat extremely limited
for this brief, it educate students, valuable as its as firstly, there is
was published by educators, briefness and no author
the Istanbul historians, and uncanny structure provided and no
Archaeo Logical professors about may have reduced credentials
Museums the Harbour of its significant and provided
 originally Theodosius and somewhat completely
established in its economic redacted its proving this
1891. It was significance as it reliability. source to be
published in 2015. allowed for Furthermore, the unreliable and
This source is a effective and unique headings untrustworthy.
secondary source. efficient trade and titles Secondly, the
protected with presents an source does not
fortification and informal front contain any data
military prowess. degrading the and or
Secondly, the value of the graphs/charts
harbor also source. further
represents a emphasizing its
greater historical unreliability.
standpoint from Lastly, the
which the publisher is not
Byzantine culture know for
may be analyzed. publishing articles
Lastly, this source of this nature
also provides a further devaluing
brief Byzantium this brief profile.
history
showcasing the
main events to
occur

Link: https://origins.osu.edu/connecting-history/covid-justinianic-plague-lessons?
language_content_entity=en#:~:text=The%20%E2%80%9CJustinianic%20Plague%E2%80%9D%20is
%20the,750%20CE.

Document Type Origin Purpose Value Limitation

Article This article is a The purpose of This source is This source is

secondary source this article is to somewhat limited as firstly
written by Kristina educate students, valuable as it there are no
Sessa who is a educators, provides and specifc refrences
well-known historians, and sheds light on present
professor of professors about some of the throughout the
history the Justinian factors which led source. Secondly,
specializing in the plague of the to the diminishing there is only one
cultural history of medieval world economy author greatly
the late antique which wiped out between the limiting the
and early over 30% of the years 668-775 CE, sources
medieval world. Byzantium empire it also portrays a perspective
She primarily almost perceptive sense creating potential
teaches at Ohio completely of the significance for bias. Lastly, it
State University. destroying all of disease in was published 4
This source was economic rebuilding years ago making
 published by OSU capabilities and empires under it outdated
or Ohio state shifting them over different pledges
university in the to neighboring and loyalties
form of an online dynasties.
project known as
origins. The site
was published in
2019

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JavVjr-GHC4

Document Type Origin Purpose Value Limitation

Documentary This is a primary The purpose of This source is This source is

resource this article is to extremely somewhat limited
published in July educate students, valuable as it as firstly there are
22nd 2023. It was educators, provides the no cited authors
published by a historians, and target audience or writers for the
channel known as professors about with the documentary,
Made in History. the timeline of necessary secondly, there is
There is no events within the background no publication
narrator cited Byzantium knowledge to organization
and/or writer. empire, outlining establish an endorsing it
all the main understanding of hindering its
events and the topic and the reliability
depicting main parties somewhat
different involved within
reasonings for the byzantine
their outcomes empire
showcasing the
significance of the
Byzantine empire
in history

Link: ISBN: 978-0-521-61502-0

Document Type Origin Purpose Value Limitation

Book This book is a The purpose of This source is This source is

primary resource. this article is to extremely somewhat limited
This book was educate students, valuable as it as firstly there are
officially written educators, provides the no figures either
by Angeliki E. historians, and target audience in the form of
Laiou and Cile professors about with the pictures and/or in
Morrison, it was the Byzantine necessary the form of data
 published in 2008 economy background driven graphs and
by the Cambridge exploring all o its knowledge to charts. Lastly,
University Press. aspects including establish an another limitation
Neither of the but not limited to: understanding of is that it was
authors have trade, the economic published in 2008
accessible infrastructure, factors and the making it
credentials. taxation, industry, main parties extremely
innovation, and involved within outdated and
domestic the byzantine somewhat
expansion. economy unreliable

d. Record information

Criterion B: Investigating strand (iii.) use research methods to collect and record appropriate, varied and
relevant information

You can always collect information search and investigate by; concept, title, topic or key words.

Information collected (Add as many rows as needed)

Resources

Question Answer
Investigate and analyze The byzantine economy was a medieval powerhouse,
the economic system the empire had control of almost the whole
employed by the Mediterranean Sea as all the coasts where already under E. Laiou, Angeliki. “The Byzantine Economy – EH.net.” Eh.net, 2023, eh.net/book_reviews/the-byzantine-economy/. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

byzantine empire the empires control. This allowed the empire to excel
through the use of economically as its economy was extremely advanced. ‌Crawford, Jack. “Understanding Byzantine Economy: The Collapse of a Medieval Powerhouse.” TheCollector, TheCollector, 28 Dec. 2020,

trade As they controlled much of the coasts and they also

controlled the trade nodes connecting Asia, Africa, and
Europe they were able to tax imports and exports at a www.thecollector.com/byzantine-economy-collapse-medieval-times/. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

rate of 10%. Thus, the byzantine empire was able to

benefit massively from different industries.
1. The silk industry was massive in the mid-late
‌C. Maniatis, George. “THE ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS of the BYZANTINE STATE on JSTOR.” Jstor.org, 2016,

period of the byzantine empire as it was

precious and it provided diplomatic https://www.jstor.org/stable/26768924. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

superiority based on its prestige (a symbol of

superiority). At the start Silk was smuggled
from Chinese regions up until a local ‌Cartwright, Mark. “Trade in the Byzantine Empire.” World History Encyclopedia, 18 Jan. 2018, www.worldhistory.org/article/1179/trade-in-the-byzantine-

production of Silk was set up

2. Grain was an essential import for the empire empire/. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.
as when the Arabs conquest of Egypt
occurred the empire lost the primary source
of grain.
 3. Another source is agricultural in general.
Some sources estimate that 30% of the annual ‌

tax take contributions were provided by

agricultural regions such as Egypt.
4. The workforce provided a major
Trade accounted for 400000 of the total 2.9 million “File:Graph of the Annual Revenue of the Byzantine Empire.png - Wikimedia Commons.” Wikimedia.org, 16 Aug. 2014,

Nomismata in year 850, in 1025 annual revenue stood at

5.9 million Nominmata with a projected treasury
reserve of 14.4 million Nomismata (Crawford) commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Graph_of_the_Annual_Revenue_of_the_Byzantine_Empire.png. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

Christodoulakis, Alexander. “Banking History Is Strongly Interlinked with the History and Development of Money and Trade. The Initial Form of Banking

as We Know It, Took Place around 20th -18th Century BC in Egypt and Mesopotamia.” Linkedin.com, 2 Oct. 2018,

www.linkedin.com/pulse/history-banking-alexander-christodoulakis. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

‌Shea, Jonathan. THE LATE BYZANTINE CITY: SOCIAL, ECONOMIC and INSTITUTIONAL PROFILE. 2010,

etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/1374/1/Shea10PhD.pdf.

‌G. Ousterhout, Dr. Robert. “Khan Academy.” Khanacademy.org, 2023, www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/byzantine1/x4b0eb531:middle-

byzantine/a/middle-byzantine-secular-architecture-and-urban-planning. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

‌“Harbour of Theodosius | Yenikapı Batıkları.” Yenikapı Batıkları, 15 Dec. 2015, yenikapibatiklari.com/en/salvage-excavations/theodosius-limani. Accessed

21 Nov. 2023.

‌“Constantinople Map Diagram.” Quizlet, 2023, quizlet.com/434286129/constantinople-map-diagram/. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

‌Sessa, Kristina. “The Justinianic Plague | Origins.” Origins, 2019, origins.osu.edu/connecting-history/covid-justinianic-plague-lessons?

language_content_entity=en#:~:text=The%20%E2%80%9CJustinianic%20Plague%E2%80%9D%20is%20the,750%20CE.

Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

‌Alamy Limited. “Roman Warehouse Hi-Res Stock Photography and Images - Alamy.” Alamy, Alamy images, 2023, www.alamy.com/stock-photo/roman-

warehouse.html?sortBy=relevant. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

‌Made In History. “The Byzantine Empire: A Complete Overview.” YouTube, YouTube Video, 22 July 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=JavVjr-GHC4.

Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

Identify the main The byzantine empire involved the institution of private
elements of finance and property, individual initiative as to permit self-
banking used in the actualization within individualist populations, private
byzantine empire. enterprises were also common. Land, labor, and capital
Justify their efficiency was largely privately owned, private initiative was
and effectiveness encouraged and those who took the initiative were given
certain privileges such as necessary infrastructure,
requisite financial and legal sub-structure required for
private operations hinting at the priorities of financial
systems in the byzantine empire.
Private institutions largely were what held the umbrella
of the byzantine economic state, when these institutions
where optimized for maximum performance they would
 generate profits larger than what the stat could possibly
do, these institutions would pay taxes, create new trade
routes, foster trade relationships, provided employment
opportunities and the most prominent fact was the
freedom given to the entrepreneurs created a state of
trust between economic entities.
(C.Maniatis)
(Shea)
Interpret data to Trade was an essential component of the Byzantine
explore the main trade empire. Trade was conducted by ship over vast
nodes present within distances which trot multiple different routes and/or
the byzantine empire paths. Cities contained cosmopolitan markets which led
to the creation of a separate internal trade structure.
Constantinople became the largest trading hub in the
world for a time, as to generate revenue from trade
customs stations were present around all major ports
and markets with the most prominent being at Abydos
and Hieron.
Trade operated through a variety of hereditary guilds
with merchants who transported goods through the
roman road system that were subsidized by the states
and subject to privileges such as reduced duties and
reduced toll expenses, creating a more effective and
efficient trade system within the empire.
Duty on imported goods also proved to be a major
revenue stream therefore state-appointed officials
known as Kommerkiarioi were used to collect duty on
imported goods and all commercial transactions and
they were given an official lead seal for each transaction.
Moreover, to limit the prospect of corruption each
individual was given a one-year post and then was
moved elsewhere.

All the above methods were use as methods to increase

annual revenue, these methods were employed
throughout the empire and it is clear that it worked as
between the years 305-540 the annual revenue peaked at
11.3 million in local currency. However, later in the
years 641-842 the presence of plague which wiped out an
estimated 30% of the population causes the economy to
spiral into a complete mess.

Plus, byzantine banks were one of the first to apply the

concept of loans in the form of financial private
investments towards private institutions through a
central banking system (Catwright)
Discuss the ethical The byzantine economy had a few ethical standpoints
viewpoint of the from which the success of the empire was derived:
economic system 1. Firstly, the Byzantium upper- and middle-
utilized by the class societal citizens had upmost freedom in
byzantine empire pursuing their passions and or goals. These
citizens were allowed to found private
institutions with state funded loans from a
central banking system with some form of
interest as revenue
2. The use of slaves, and insufficiently paid
workers from the lower classes created a
clash within the internal societal structure
causing the dismantling of stability within the
economic structure of the empire

Explore the timeline of A notable feature of societal symbolism employing the

the byzantine empire ideals of advanced infrastructure was part of the
including socioeconomic fortifications of the acropolis known as the Eptapyrgion.
movements, trade ideas, This was a citadel representing the religious beliefs of
innovation within the empire. This building stands at the edge of acropolis
economic and away from the city.
infrastructure
 For infrastructure, firstly old roman streets and other
buildings were repurposed and modernized as to fit the
requirements of the byzantine empire. Firstly, public
space meant for theatrical and social events were
converted into marketplaces and workshops and as for
keeping the cultural essence alive festivals were
regularly conducted. Secondly, aqueducts were
renovated and maintained while only a few were
constructed at Thebes, extensive industrial hydraulic
systems aimed at production were constructed to allow
for more efficient process in some parts of Cappadocia,
at Corinth and Bursa natural springs were used to
provide water. Lastly, private rain collecting systems
were developed to supply water to private institutions
through wells and cisterns

The byzantine empire encompassed some major ideas as

growth ideologies including:
1. Religious beliefs
2. Trade innovation and development
3. Offensive capabilities and ideas of conquest
4. Administration and bureaucracy
5. Diplomatic relations and political ideologies
6. Aristocratic beliefs and their believed positive
outcomes (G.Ousterhout)
Explain the Byzantine ports were mostly fortified harbors with
infrastructural system diminished cargo and trade capabilities however some
employed throughout main cities have cargo based industrial ports with
the byzantine empire. extremely capable systems and technology. The Harbor
Evaluate the efficiency of Theodosius located in reset day Marmara was one of
of the infrastructure. the largest created by Theodosius I (379-395), it was
Synthesize a graph to created as to improved port capacity, kt had huge
represent the change in fortifications in the form of a wall circling a large body
efficiency of of water in which ships parked. It was extremely
infrastructure because efficient as hydraulic systems were implemented with
of scientific and many other technological improvements.
technical innovation In addition, the phosphorian harbor was another major
Byzantium port present in present day Marmara
however its presence in a strait created a bottlenecked
inefficient trade process where traffic would build up
and fortifications were unable to protect ships as they
only protected the land.

(G. Ousterhout)
(“Harbour of Theodosius | Yenikapı Batıkları”)

Harbour of Theodosius

Phosphorian Harbour

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Fortification Effeciency
.
Interpret the change Throughout the duration of the Byzantine empire
endured by the radical change occurred, at first the byzantine empire at
byzantine throughout its establishment point was extremely effective and
their economic timeline economically independent as regular annual revenue
 was 4+ million in local currency which is an abundance
of wealth (in excess of 91 billion USD). However, as the
byzantine empire endured the Bubonic Plague which is
also known in that time period as the Justinianic Plague
wiped over 30% of the population which were mostly
lower-class members and essentially dropping annual
revenue to 2 million in local currency essentially cutting
revenue in half and creating major economic, civil, and
social instability and unrest. However, the situation
rather improved where the revenue reached a reported
6 million in local currency which is approximately 120-
140 million USD based on current exchange rates.
Shortly after, the byzantine empire fell and the economy
was absorbed into other empires as the product of
military conquest.
(“File:Graph of the Annual Revenue of the
Byzantine Empire.png”)
Identify the main types Ports were extremely basic were a Harbour that is
of buildings and fortified by brick walls contains wooden planks
structures that created dictating parking space for small ships while large ships
the foundation for were to park next to the fortified wall of the port and to
civilization within the be unloaded by special ramps, then different warehouse
economic timeline of the systems and chariot were used to transport cargo to and
byzantine empire from.

Another piece of infrastructure was the byzantine

warehouse based off of the roman warehouse where a
simple structure with slanted roofs contains wooden
shelfs where goods are stored, security personnel were
regularly seen guarding certain luxury and expensive
unique goods.

Lastly, the major piece of byzantine infrastructure

responsible for their rapid expansion was the domestic
housing template model were there was a basic house
with 3-4 rooms separated only by bricks with no doors,
there was one single door for the entrance to the house.
Its simplicity allowed for civilian populations and
settlements to quickly, efficiently, and effectively expand
into new territory.

(G. Ousterhout)
(Shea)
Analyze the effects of Firstly, civil conflicts and unrest coupled with instability
conflicts with was common for the byzantine empire as they were the
neighboring and victims of different conquests from different directions
international entities on all over their settlements creating a state of instability
trade income and which was further exasperated by different conditions
export/import rates and factors such as the bubonic plague.

Secondly, the dependence on agriculture created a vast

black hole when Egypt was occupied and annexed by the
Arabs creating a dwindling economic state for the
country

Thirdly, conflicts with tax unhappiness created and

planted a seed of corruption within governmental and
state systems creating large indescrepencies when it
comes to freedom and rights rendering the full civilian
force against the government itself.
(Crawford)
Evaluate the effect of The roman history of the Byzantium empire gave it a
taxes on social life advanced bureaucracy and tax collection system, the
beginning of this idea was when a large amount of gold
coins were minted to combat rising inflation. State-
appointed officials were to collect taxes and they were
given unimaginable powers. Military pay was
formalized which reduced corruption.
 The main tax of the empire was land tax which was
calculate based on the value of land, land was measured
using a division roughly equivalent to ¼ of an acre. High
value land was worth 1 gold coin, second-rate land was
worth 1 half and pasture were worth only 1/3. However,
vineyards were valued at much higher tax prices as their
value were indispensable to the empire which used wine
as a staple of its culture.

Later on, personal tax was introduced also known as

household tax which was known then as Kapnikos

(Crawford)
Employ understanding The relationship between socioeconomic events and
to investigate the political relations was directly proportional as it is
connection between evident that improvements within economical power
socioeconomic events and control created a political vacuum where enemies
and political relations were happy to sign ceasefires and allies were looking to
become closer to the empire. However, when the great
plague occurred political and diplomatic relations were
disrupted as people were killed unmercifully throughout
the empire, allies were looking to move away as to not be
called upon and enemies attempted to exploit these
weaknesses. Therefore, the political and diplomatic state
of the empire was directly dependent on economic
factors as the main factor that was forging alliances was
trade agreements and economic alliances.

(Crawford)
Interpret the effects of The economy was psychologically driven
psychological traits on
trade and economic
solutions within the
byzantine empire
(CFI)
1. Firstly, the state met the needs of each and
every citizen to a high extent where food was
provided through agricultural products
including cattle, grain, and other products
2. Secondly, water was provided through wells
and other collection systems creating access to
fresh water from all sectors of each city
3. This coupled with the awardment of shelter
for each citizen with low costs meant that all
physiological needs were met
4. Then, all basic safety needs including
employment with basic income, secure
financials, and self-sustaining systematic
private institutions all allowed for the
development of a distinct complementary
systems of meeting all safety needs
5. Afterwords the creation of social spaces and
social networks through public space such as
pubs and bath houses created an everlasting
community meeting the love and belonging
needs of each individual as early marriage
was also extremely common
6. Then, through glorification of humans and
beliefs the need for self-confidence was met
where each and every individual was
complemented, glorified, and encouraged
allowing for this need to be met unless this
individual was part of the working lower class
where self-confidence was diminished
7. All the previous points allowed the relatively
high societal classes to achieve a stage of self-
actualization where scientific and technical
innovation create everlasting change. The
best example of this is when individuals
create private institutions which act as profit
farms granting their owner the medium of
paradise and the glorification of a god.
 Works Cited

E. Laiou, Angeliki. “The Byzantine Economy – EH.net.” Eh.net, 2023, eh.net/book_reviews/the-

byzantine-economy/. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

‌Crawford, Jack. “Understanding Byzantine Economy: The Collapse of a Medieval

Powerhouse.” TheCollector, TheCollector, 28 Dec. 2020,

www.thecollector.com/byzantine-economy-collapse-medieval-times/. Accessed 21 Nov.

2023.

‌C. Maniatis, George. “THE ECONOMIC INSTITUTIONS of the BYZANTINE STATE on

JSTOR.” Jstor.org, 2016, https://www.jstor.org/stable/26768924. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

‌Cartwright, Mark. “Trade in the Byzantine Empire.” World History Encyclopedia, 18 Jan. 2018,

www.worldhistory.org/article/1179/trade-in-the-byzantine-empire/. Accessed 21 Nov.

2023.

‌
“File:Graph of the Annual Revenue of the Byzantine Empire.png - Wikimedia

Commons.” Wikimedia.org, 16 Aug. 2014,

commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Graph_of_the_Annual_Revenue_of_the_Byzantine_E

mpire.png. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

Christodoulakis, Alexander. “Banking History Is Strongly Interlinked with the History and

Development of Money and Trade. The Initial Form of Banking as We Know It, Took

Place around 20th -18th Century BC in Egypt and Mesopotamia.” Linkedin.com, 2 Oct.
2018, www.linkedin.com/pulse/history-banking-alexander-christodoulakis. Accessed 21

Nov. 2023.

‌Shea, Jonathan. THE LATE BYZANTINE CITY: SOCIAL, ECONOMIC and INSTITUTIONAL

PROFILE. 2010, etheses.bham.ac.uk/id/eprint/1374/1/Shea10PhD.pdf.

‌G. Ousterhout, Dr. Robert. “Khan Academy.” Khanacademy.org, 2023,

www.khanacademy.org/humanities/medieval-world/byzantine1/x4b0eb531:middle-

byzantine/a/middle-byzantine-secular-architecture-and-urban-planning. Accessed 21 Nov.

2023.

‌“Harbour of Theodosius | Yenikapı Batıkları.” Yenikapı Batıkları, 15 Dec. 2015,

yenikapibatiklari.com/en/salvage-excavations/theodosius-limani. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

‌“Constantinople Map Diagram.” Quizlet, 2023, quizlet.com/434286129/constantinople-map-

diagram/. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

‌Sessa, Kristina. “The Justinianic Plague | Origins.” Origins, 2019, origins.osu.edu/connecting-

history/covid-justinianic-plague-lessons?language_content_entity=en#:~:text=The

%20%E2%80%9CJustinianic%20Plague%E2%80%9D%20is%20the,750%20CE.

Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

‌Alamy Limited. “Roman Warehouse Hi-Res Stock Photography and Images - Alamy.” Alamy,

Alamy images, 2023, www.alamy.com/stock-photo/roman-warehouse.html?

sortBy=relevant. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

‌Made In History. “The Byzantine Empire: A Complete Overview.” YouTube, YouTube Video,

22 July 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=JavVjr-GHC4. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.

‌CFI, Team. “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.” Corporate Finance Institute, Corporate Finance

Institute, 15 Oct. 2023, corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/management/maslows-

hierarchy-of-needs/#:~:text=Maslow’s%20hierarchy%20of%20needs%20is,on%20to

%20more%20advanced%20needs. Accessed 22 Nov. 2023.

e. Reflection
Criterion B: Investigating strand (iv.) evaluate the process and results of the investigation

Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of your research process. Make sure you
reflect on what went well, challenges and how you overcame them, things you
might do differently next time, skills and reflected IBLP and overall comment on
your progress and the quality of the work you submitted including the results.

(Evaluate: make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations.)

I had many strengths when it came to this task and the effectiveness of its outcome. Firstly, I was able to
fully answer my focused research question by applying the use of secondary questions as well as a
diverse variety of sources allowing me to answer the main concern of the topic. Secondly, I was also able
to utilize effective trusted websites allowing me to gain the proper required knowledge and information
and therefore completing my task although some websites were not as reliable as others. Thirdly, I was
also able to paraphrase and rewrite all the obtained information in a simple efficient manner that avoids
plagiarism. Fourthly, I was also able to use my research skills (e.g., making inferences and drawing
conclusions) to find the correct valid information required for me to be able to complete my task. Fifth, I
also employed the use of many IB learner profiles such as inquirer (as I had to inquire about my topic
and task to gain the required knowledge and information) and I also employed the use of the IB trait
thinkers which allowed me to utilize critical thinking to reach accurate valid conclusions about my topic
through using perceptive perceptions of different concept from different sources. Furthermore, I also
utilized the reflective IB trait as I had to reflect on all my previous tasks to gain the required skills and
knowledge to finish this task accurately, effectively, and efficiently. Sixth, as previously mentioned I also
utilized some ATL skills such as critical thinking and research, but I also utilized self-management skills
which allowed me to complete this task on-time with no further issues/complications

I have faced many challenges (may be considered weaknesses) throughout this research process. Firstly,
in the early stages of depicting the goal of the task I failed to accurately understand the essence of the
task itself, however, after some further analysis I was able to fully understand the task. Secondly, I also
encountered many challenges with the sources I chose to use; as each source had some limitations
whether it was limited in the provided information or if it didn’t list a credible author. However, through
the use of in-depth analysis-based research, I was able to find a large number of detailed trusted
websites for my sources. Thirdly, I also faced some problems with fatigue as I had to paraphrase whole
entire blocks of text however, through perseverance, I was able to successfully paraphrase all the
information. Fourthly, I had some minor problems while performing research but I was able to find all
the required information through scholar-based research. Fifthly, I also faced some challenges when
applying the ib learner profile traits as I failed to create effective communication between me and my
audience as some the content is extremely overcomplicated and not that friendly to non-experts within
the topics, but with time and patience I was able to gain an apprentice level understanding within the
topic. I also faced many challenges when applying self-management skills and time-management skills as
some parts of the task required a large amount of time and I wasn’t able to fully organize my time
effectively and efficiently.

Visual Representations:

Change Turning Points

Civilization

Leadership

Societal and Cultural

Context
Norms

Scientific and
Functon
Technical Innovation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JavVjr-GHC4
K W
Economic states typically tend
to be largely determined by
political weather
The byzantine empire was a
large and successful empire
Disease took a heavy toll on the
empire
The empire eventually fell when
Constantinople fell to the
ottomans
Investigate and analyze the economic
system employed by the byzantine empire
through the use of trade
Identify the main elements of finance and
banking used in the byzantine empire.
Justify their efficiency and effectiveness
Interpret data to explore the main trade
nodes present within the byzantine empire
Discuss the ethical viewpoint of the
economic system utilized by the byzantine
empire
Explore the timeline of the byzantine
empire including socioeconomic
movements, trade ideas, innovation within
economic infrastructure
Explain the infrastructural system
employed throughout the byzantine
empire. Evaluate the efficiency of the
infrastructure. Synthesize a graph to
represent the change in efficiency of
infrastructure because of scientific and
technical innovation
Interpret the change endured by the
byzantine throughout their economic
timeline
Identify the main types of buildings and
structures that created the foundation for
civilization within the economic timeline
of the byzantine empire
Analyze the effects of conflicts with
neighboring and international entities on
trade income and export/import rates
Evaluate the effect of taxes on social life
Employ understanding to investigate the
connection between socioeconomic events
and political relations
Interpret the effects of psychological traits
on trade and economic solutions within
the byzantine empire
L
The byzantine economy was a medieval
powerhouse, the empire had control of
almost the whole Mediterranean Sea as all
the coasts where already under the
empires control. This allowed the empire
to excel economically as its economy was
extremely advanced. As they controlled
much of the coasts and they also
controlled the trade nodes connecting
Asia, Africa, and Europe they were able
to tax imports and exports at a rate of
10%. Thus, the byzantine empire was able
to benefit massively from different
industries.
5. The silk industry was massive
in the mid-late period of the
byzantine empire as it was
precious and it provided
diplomatic superiority based on
its prestige (a symbol of
superiority). At the start Silk
was smuggled from Chinese
regions up until a local
production of Silk was set up
6. Grain was an essential import
for the empire as when the
Arabs conquest of Egypt
occurred the empire lost the
primary source of grain.
7. Another source is agricultural
in general. Some sources
estimate that 30% of the
annual tax take contributions
were provided by agricultural
regions such as Egypt.
8. The workforce provided a
major
Trade accounted for 400000 of the total
2.9 million Nomismata in year 850, in
1025 annual revenue stood at 5.9 million
Nominmata with a projected treasury
reserve of 14.4 million Nomismata
The byzantine empire involved the
institution of private property, individual
initiative as to permit self-actualization
within individualist populations, private
enterprises were also common. Land,
labor, and capital was largely privately
owned, private initiative was encouraged
and those who took the initiative were
given certain privileges such as necessary
infrastructure, requisite financial and
legal sub-structure required for private
operations hinting at the priorities of
financial systems in the byzantine empire.
Private institutions largely were what held
the umbrella of the byzantine economic
state, when these institutions where
optimized for maximum performance
they would generate profits larger than
what the stat could possibly do, these
institutions would pay taxes, create new
trade routes, foster trade relationships,
provided employment opportunities and
the most prominent fact was the freedom
given to the entrepreneurs created a state
of trust between economic entities.
Trade was an essential component of the
Byzantine empire. Trade was conducted
by ship over vast distances which trot
multiple different routes and/or paths.
Cities contained cosmopolitan markets
which led to the creation of a separate
internal trade structure. Constantinople
became the largest trading hub in the
world for a time, as to generate revenue
from trade customs stations were present
around all major ports and markets with
the most prominent being at Abydos and
Hieron.
Trade operated through a variety of
hereditary guilds with merchants who
transported goods through the roman
road system that were subsidized by the
states and subject to privileges such as
reduced duties and reduced toll expenses,
creating a more effective and efficient
trade system within the empire.
Duty on imported goods also proved to be
a major revenue stream therefore state-
appointed officials known as
Kommerkiarioi were used to collect duty
on imported goods and all commercial
transactions and they were given an
official lead seal for each transaction.
Moreover, to limit the prospect of
corruption each individual was given a
one-year post and then was moved
elsewhere.

All the above methods were use as

methods to increase annual revenue, these
methods were employed throughout the
empire and it is clear that it worked as
between the years 305-540 the annual
revenue peaked at 11.3 million in local
currency. However, later in the years 641-
842 the presence of plague which wiped
out an estimated 30% of the population
causes the economy to spiral into a
complete mess.

Plus, byzantine banks were one of the first

to apply the concept of loans in the form
of financial private investments towards
private institutions through a central
banking system
The byzantine economy had a few ethical
standpoints from which the success of the
empire was derived:
3. Firstly, the Byzantium upper-
and middle-class societal
citizens had upmost freedom in
pursuing their passions and or
goals. These citizens were
allowed to found private
institutions with state funded
loans from a central banking
system with some form of
interest as revenue
4. The use of slaves, and
insufficiently paid workers
from the lower classes created a
clash within the internal
societal structure causing the
dismantling of stability within
the economic structure of the
empire
A notable feature of societal symbolism
employing the ideals of advanced
infrastructure was part of the
fortifications of the acropolis known as
the Eptapyrgion. This was a citadel
representing the religious beliefs of the
empire. This building stands at the edge of
acropolis and away from the city.

For infrastructure, firstly old roman

streets and other buildings were
repurposed and modernized as to fit the
requirements of the byzantine empire.
Firstly, public space meant for theatrical
and social events were converted into
marketplaces and workshops and as for
keeping the cultural essence alive festivals
were regularly conducted. Secondly,
aqueducts were renovated and maintained
while only a few were constructed at
Thebes, extensive industrial hydraulic
systems aimed at production were
constructed to allow for more efficient
process in some parts of Cappadocia, at
Corinth and Bursa natural springs were
used to provide water. Lastly, private rain
collecting systems were developed to
supply water to private institutions
through wells and cisterns

The byzantine empire encompassed some

major ideas as growth ideologies
including:
7. Religious beliefs
8. Trade innovation and
development
9. Offensive capabilities and ideas
of conquest
10. Administration and
bureaucracy
11. Diplomatic relations and
political ideologies
12. Aristocratic beliefs and their
believed positive outcomes
Byzantine ports were mostly fortified
harbors with diminished cargo and trade
capabilities however some main cities
have cargo based industrial ports with
extremely capable systems and
technology. The Harbor of Theodosius
located in reset day Marmara was one of
the largest created by Theodosius I (379-
395), it was created as to improved port
capacity, kt had huge fortifications in the
form of a wall circling a large body of
water in which ships parked. It was
extremely efficient as hydraulic systems
were implemented with many other
technological improvements.
In addition, the phosphorian harbor was
another major Byzantium port present in
present day Marmara however its
presence in a strait created a bottlenecked
inefficient trade process where traffic
would build up and fortifications were
unable to protect ships as they only
protected the land.
.
Throughout the duration of the
Byzantine empire radical change
occurred, at first the byzantine empire at
its establishment point was extremely
effective and economically independent as
regular annual revenue was 4+ million in
local currency which is an abundance of
wealth (in excess of 91 billion USD).
However, as the byzantine empire
endured the Bubonic Plague which is also
known in that time period as the
Justinianic Plague wiped over 30% of the
population which were mostly lower-class
members and essentially dropping annual
revenue to 2 million in local currency
essentially cutting revenue in half and
creating major economic, civil, and social
instability and unrest. However, the
situation rather improved where the
revenue reached a reported 6 million in
local currency which is approximately
120-140 million USD based on current
exchange rates. Shortly after, the
byzantine empire fell and the economy
was absorbed into other empires as the
product of military conquest.
Ports were extremely basic were a
hrabour that is fortified by brick walls
contains wooden planks dictating parking
space for small ships while large ships
were to park next to the fortified wall of
the port and to be unloaded by special
ramps, then different warehouse systems
and chariot were used to transport cargo
to and from.

Another piece of infrastructure was the

byzantine warehouse based off of the
roman warehouse where a simple
structure with slanted roofs contains
wooden shelfs where goods are stored,
security personnel were regularly seen
guarding certain luxury and expensive
unique goods.

Lastly, the major piece of byzantine

infrastructure responsible for their rapid
expansion was the domestic housing
template model were there was a basic
house with 3-4 rooms separated only by
bricks with no doors, there was one single
door for the entrance to the house. Its
simplicity allowed for civilian populations
and settlements to quickly, efficiently, and
effectively expand into new territory.
Firstly, civil conflicts and unrest coupled
with instability was common for the
byzantine empire as they were the victims
of different conquests from different
directions all over their settlements
creating a state of instability which was
further exasperated by different
conditions and factors such as the bubonic
plague.

Secondly, the dependence on agriculture

created a vast black hole when Egypt was
occupied and annexed by the Arabs
creating a dwindling economic state for
the country

Thirdly, conflicts with tax unhappiness

created and planted a seed of corruption
within governmental and state systems
creating large indescrepencies when it
comes to freedom and rights rendering
the full civilian force against the
government itself.
The roman history of the Byzantium
empire gave it a advanced bureaucracy
and tax collection system, the beginning of
this idea was when a large amount of gold
coins were minted to combat rising
inflation. State-appointed officials were to
collect taxes and they were given
unimaginable powers. Military pay was
formalized which reduced corruption.

The main tax of the empire was land tax

which was calculate based on the value of
land, land was measured using a division
roughly equivalent to ¼ of an acre. High
value land was worth 1 gold coin, second-
rate land was worth 1 half and pasture
were worth only 1/3. However, vineyards
were valued at much higher tax prices as
their value were indispensable to the
empire which used wine as a staple of its
culture.

Later on, personal tax was introduced

also known as household tax which was
known then as Kapnikos
The relationship between socioeconomic
events and political relations was directly
proportional as it is evident that
improvements within economical power
and control created a political vacuum
where enemies were happy to sign
ceasefires and allies were looking to
become closer to the empire. However,
when the great plague occurred political
and diplomatic relations were disrupted
as people were killed unmercifully
throughout the empire, allies were looking
to move away as to not be called upon and
enemies attempted to exploit these
weaknesses. Therefore, the political and
diplomatic state of the empire was directly
dependent on economic factors as the
main factor that was forging alliances was
trade agreements and economic alliances.
The economy was psychologically driven
8. Firstly, the state met the needs
of each and every citizen to a
high extent where food was
provided through agricultural
products including cattle,
grain, and other products
9. Secondly, water was provided
through wells and other
collection systems creating
 access to fresh water from all
sectors of each city
10. This coupled with the
awardment of shelter for each
citizen with low costs meant
that all physiological needs
were met
11. Then, all basic safety needs
including employment with
basic income, secure financials,
and self-sustaining systematic
private institutions all allowed
for the development of a
distinct complementary systems
of meeting all safety needs
12. Afterwords the creation of
social spaces and social
networks through public space
such as pubs and bath houses
created an everlasting
community meeting the love
and belonging needs of each
individual as early marriage
was also extremely common
13. Then, through glorification of
humans and beliefs the need for
self-confidence was met where
each and every individual was
complemented, glorified, and
encouraged allowing for this
need to be met unless this
individual was part of the
working lower class where self-
confidence was diminished
14. All the previous points allowed
the relatively high societal
classes to achieve a stage of self-
actualization where scientific
and technical innovation create
everlasting change. The best
example of this is when
individuals create private
institutions which act as profit
farms granting their owner the
medium of paradise and the
glorification of a god.
 C. Communicating:

Level Level descriptor Task Specific Indicator

You were able to:
i. communicate information and ideas in a limited
The student:
way, using a formal style that is limited in its
i. communicates information and ideas in a limited
appropriateness to the audience and purpose
way, using a style that is limited in its appropriateness
1-2 to the audience and purpose
ii. structure information and ideas according to the
ii. structures information and ideas according to the
specified format of a visual organizer and an oral
specified format in a limited way
recording
iii. documents sources of information in a limited way.
iii. Document sources of information in a limited
way using MLA (9) format.
You were able to:
i. communicate information and ideas satisfactorily
The student:
by using a formal style that is somewhat appropriate
i. communicates information and ideas satisfactorily by
to the audience and purpose
using a style that is somewhat appropriate to the
ii. structure information and ideas in a way that is
audience and purpose
somewhat appropriate to the specified format of a
3-4
visual organizer (heading, sub-heading, paragraphs,
ii. structures information and ideas in a way that is
points, images and diagrams are included, work cited
somewhat appropriate to the specified format iii.
page) and an oral recording
sometimes documents sources of information using a
recognized convention.
iii. Sometimes document sources of information
using a recognized convention – MLA format.
5-6 The student: You were able to:
i. communicates information and ideas accurately by i. communicate information and ideas accurately by
using a style that is mostly appropriate to the audience using a formal style that is mostly appropriate to the
and purpose audience and purpose
ii. structures information and ideas in a way that is ii. structure information and ideas in a way that is
mostly appropriate to the specified format mostly appropriate to the specified format of a
iii. often documents sources of information using a visual organizer (heading, sub-heading, paragraphs,
recognized convention points, images and diagrams are included, work cited
page) and an oral
 recording

iii. often document sources of information using a

recognized convention – MLA.
You were able to:
i. communicated information and ideas effectively
The students:
and accurately by using a formal style that is
i. communicates information and ideas effectively and
completely appropriate to the audience and purpose
accurately by using a style that is completely
appropriate to the audience and purpose
ii. structured information and ideas in a way that is
7-8
completely appropriate to the specified format of a
ii. structures information and ideas in a way that is
visual organizer (heading, sub-heading, paragraphs,
completely appropriate to the specified format iii.
points, images and diagrams are included, work cited
consistently documents sources of information using a
page) and an oral recording
recognized convention.
iii. Consistently documented sources of information
using a recognized convention – MLA format.

Part 2: Presentation:

 Specification of the topic chosen formulated as a research question.

 Introduction about the empire (a brief identity like card including; location, size, time
frame, government system, Religion, etc.…)
 Causes/ reasons behind its establishment ( How did it start? )
 The transition milestones to highlight the peak of the empire from the specified point of
view.
 Use multiple ways to present your research findings; charts, tables, graphs, short
paragraphs,.etc.
 Use dualities, make your links and make reference to the concepts when applicable
 Completion of the action plan (brainstorming, outline, notes, draft)
 Use of Questia or Britanica [NOTE: for any help contact the librarian]
 Use of IS terminology throughout the presentation
 A visual presentation in groups must include creative posters, Powerpoint (clear and loud
voice)
********* Use MLA 9 formatting
Command terms: