The 7th grade is now studying the Eastern Roman Empire. We have learned about the spread of Christianity, the trading center, the Hagia Sophia, and the constant exchange of goods and ideas happening during the Byzantine Empire. The capital city, Constantinople was a wealthy trading center full of spices, silk, fur, wine, and olive oil. The Byzantine government designed official currency in gold, silver, and bronze to make trading easier. Each student created a coin based on the goods bought and sold back then.