How was the art of the Eastern and Western Roman Empires similar? A. They were both purely representational. B. They both developed complex religious symbolism. C. They both relied on mathematical perspective. D. They both focused on religion.

## Step 1<br />The question asks us to identify the similarity between the art of the Eastern and Western Roman Empires. The options provided are:<br />A. They were both purely representational.<br />B. They both developed complex religious symbolism.<br />C. They both relied on mathematical perspective.<br />D. They both focused on religion.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />We need to evaluate each option based on the historical context of the Roman Empires.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Option A suggests that both empires' art was purely representational. However, this is not accurate as the art of both empires was not purely representational but also symbolic.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Option B suggests that both empires developed complex religious symbolism. This is true as the art of both empires was heavily influenced by religion and often depicted religious symbols and stories.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />Option C suggests that both empires relied on mathematical perspective. This is not accurate as the concept of mathematical perspective in art did not develop until the Renaissance, which is much later than the time of the Roman Empires.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />Option D suggests that both empires focused on religion. While this is true, it is not as specific as option B, which directly addresses the use of complex religious symbolism in their art.