How was the average Byzantine soldier equipped say around 700-800 AD? I know a Roman Soldier of the Empire during the Pax Romana would have a Gladius, Scutum shield, 1-2 Pila, a Pugio dagger, and wear Lorica Segmentata. How was a Byzantine soldier different?
How did the Byzantine soldiers fight compared to the Romans, and their contemporaries, in terms of tactics.
Was the fall of Constantinople similar to the fall of Rome? Was there pillaging and raping, and destruction of historical places and artifacts, or was it more of a peaceful occupation by the Ottomans?
I often hear the Byzantines described as the center of arts, learning, and culture in Medieval Europe. Did they have any famous orators or poets like the Romans did, such as Virgil, Ovid, Cicero, or Pliny?
Edit: Changed Western Empire to Empire during the Pax Romana
Hi. While you wait for answers, consider having a look at former questions in this sub about Byzantine armies:
I should note that your view of the average Western Empire legionary is a bit too anachronistic. The segmentata armour fell completely out of use at the end of the 3rd century. The ordinary legionary from the late 3rd, 4th and 5th century would have been equipped with chainmail (lorica hamata, which never fell out of use), a spatha which was a longer sword previously only used by cavalry, and an oval shield (not unlike the Thureos design).
In the East after the fall of the WRE I would expect it to not be too different, as around the 6th century the Eastern armies were equipped rather the same.