What does byzantine art say about byzantine civilization?

Question

What does byzantine art say about byzantine civilization?

Answer 1

that it was

a creative and strong empire (;

it preserved roman & greek things =]

yeah hope this helped :]

and it influenced russia a lott!

Answer 2

The word byzantine when used as an adjective usually connotes activities which are complex and dark, rather than open and "kindly".  A "byzantine plot" is a typical example.  

My recollection of Byzantine religious art is one of dark and brooding figures painted in subdued tones.  I do like the icons, though, very much.  And that tradition has been carried over into the Russian tradition, which i find quite appealing.