WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Trade and commerce were essential components of the success and expansion of the Byzantine Empire. Trade was carried out by ship over vast distances, although for safety, most sailing vessels were restricted to the better weather conditions between April and October.

Detailed explanation-2: -Constantinople was a prime hub in a trading network that at various times extended across nearly all of Eurasia and North Africa. Some scholars argue that, up until the arrival of the Arabs in the 7th century, the Eastern Roman Empire had the most powerful economy in the world.

Detailed explanation-3: -According to NATO, the Black sea is a strategic corridor that provides smuggling channels for moving legal and illegal goods including drugs, radioactive materials, and counterfeit goods that can be used to finance terrorism.

Detailed explanation-4: -The Byzantine Empire was a natural center for trade. It was located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Silk and spices from the east, furs from Russia, grains, olives, and wines from the empire itself brought great wealth. Its capital, Constantinople, was a natural center for trade.