Our church and government are strongly linked. This ensures loyalty of people, not only to their country, but to their faith as well. Our Emperor is viewed as a living representative of God, so Byzantines across the empire are strongly intertwined with their religion and their country.
Most art and architecture is strongly influenced by the church. Our cities are scattered with hundreds of churches; from those as great as the Hagia Sophia (right), to small churches which line the city streets. Visiting Constantinople is a perfect way for those people who enjoy expanding their mind to really "go wild"! Art adds life and color to our empire and has a huge impact on the way people view the church, the government, and, ultimately, the empire.
