Questions: Trade with Europe and the Middle East affected the Byzantine Empire by: A. pressuring its citizens to become Muslims. B. helping it grow extremely wealthy. C. forcing it to end its war with the Mongol Empire. D. allowing it to become the center of Christianity. SUBMIT

The answer is B: helping it grow extremely wealthy.

Explanation for each option:

A. Pressuring its citizens to become Muslims.

• This option is incorrect. While the Byzantine Empire did have interactions with Muslim states, trade itself did not pressure its citizens to convert to Islam. The primary religion of the Byzantine Empire was Christianity, specifically Eastern Orthodox Christianity.

B. Helping it grow extremely wealthy.

• This option is correct. The Byzantine Empire was strategically located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, which allowed it to control key trade routes. This position enabled the empire to become extremely wealthy through trade with Europe and the Middle East. The wealth accumulated from trade contributed to the empire's economic strength and cultural development.

C. Forcing it to end its war with the Mongol Empire.

• This option is incorrect. The Byzantine Empire did not have significant conflicts with the Mongol Empire that were directly influenced by trade. The Mongol Empire's interactions were more prominent with other regions, such as the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

D. Allowing it to become the center of Christianity.

• This option is incorrect. The Byzantine Empire, particularly its capital Constantinople, was already a major center of Christianity long before extensive trade with Europe and the Middle East. The spread of Christianity in the Byzantine Empire was more influenced by its religious and political policies rather than trade.

In summary, trade with Europe and the Middle East primarily helped the Byzantine Empire grow extremely wealthy, making option B the correct answer.