Byzantine influence on Slavs

Byzantine influence on the Slavs primarily occurred through religion, culture, and political ideas after the 9th century. When Slavic peoples encountered the Byzantine Empire, they adopted Orthodox Christianity, spreading Byzantine religious practices, art, and literacy—especially through the Cyrillic alphabet, which was developed by Byzantine missionaries. This union shaped their religious identity, art, and architecture. Additionally, Byzantine political concepts and governance ideas influenced Slavic states' organization and diplomacy. Overall, Byzantine culture profoundly shaped Slavic religious life, literacy, and culture, establishing enduring ties between Eastern Europe and Byzantium.