Byzantine art was highly prestigious and sought-after in Western Europe, the place it maintained a steady affect on medieval art until close to the end of the medieval period. This was particularly so in Italy, where Byzantine styles continued in modified type via the twelfth century, and became formative influences on Italian Renaissance art. With the expansion look at here now of the Eastern Orthodox church, Byzantine types and styles spread all through the Orthodox world and past. Influences from Byzantine structure, significantly in spiritual buildings, can be found in diverse areas from Egypt and Arabia to Russia and Romania.