Rural economy and society

Question 1

byzantium breadbasket : grain supplier

Answer 1

Egypt until Arab conquest

then Anatolia and lower Danube region

Question 2

the peasants

Answer 2

• -made byzantine economy wealthy
• -military
• -intensely cultivated their land

Question 3

what happened to the land

Answer 3

wealthy landlords took over

–made peasants work for them

Question 4

how did imperial government support free peasants

Answer 4

• -theme system gave them land again for military service

- -periodic efforts to prevent wealthy landowners

Question 5

decline of free peasantry effects

Answer 5

• -less taxes received since peasants contributed more towards taxes
• -declined pool of recruits for military
• -