Answer:
The correct answer to the question: Which of the following were members of the aristocracy in Byzantine society, would be, D: Wealthy landowners.
Explanation:
The Bizantine Empire, from the 4th, to the 15th centuries, had a pretty structured and classified society. Starting with the emperor and his family, this society was divided into three tiers: the upper class, middle class and lower class. However, it is important to note that one characteristic of this classification is that it was not stringent, and mobility was common. As such, the upper class were the imperial family and the powerful landowners, who were the richest in the land. In the middle class were all skilled workers, including artisans, merchants, shopkeepers and even soldiers. These tended to move upwards towards the aristocracy through marriage and merit as well. Finally, the lower class was made up of slaves, peasants, and other manual laborers. But the aristocracy, was made up of the royal family and the rich landowners.
