The empire known for its advances in technology and trade during the Middle Ages is the Byzantine Empire. Emerging from the Roman Empire's eastern half, the Byzantine Empire thrived from the 4th to the 15th century, becoming a center of commerce, culture, and learning. Its strategic location on trade routes between Europe and Asia facilitated extensive trade networks. Innovations in architecture, such as the development of the dome, are exemplified in structures like the Hagia Sophia. The Byzantines also preserved and built upon Greek and Roman knowledge, contributing to advancements in various fields, including law, art, and science.