| Byzantine Empire |
The Byzantines, whose capital was regarded as an extention of Rome, expressed more and more the desire to direct themselves toward the heritage of Greek antiquity. The buildings of this period were ornamented withartworks in the style of antiquity. 
The great cathedral Hagia Sophia stood in all its splendor... The most destructive blow hit the city during the Latin invasions. The invaders did great damage to the city. Homes and religious buildings were subject to arson and looting. After the invasions ended, the city started reconstruction work in the year 1261, though it could not be restored to its former glory. Its population, formerly 500,000, had decreased to 50,000. Production of all types diminished and the people suffered from hunger. A 1000-year-old page of history was coming to an end and the city was preparing itself for a rebirth |