Byzantine agriculture

Byzantine agriculture refers to the farming practices and land management strategies used in the Byzantine Empire (c. 330–1453 AD). It was characterized by diverse cropping systems, including cereals like wheat and barley, vineyards, orchards, and livestock farming. Farmers employed techniques such as crop rotation, terracing, and irrigation to optimize productivity in varied climates and terrains. The economy heavily relied on agriculture, with estates often managed by large landowners or monastic communities. Byzantine agriculture also incorporated advanced knowledge from previous Roman practices, sustaining local populations and supporting trade within the empire's extensive network.