According to Map 8.1, "The Byzantine and Sassanid Empires, ca. 600," which region of the Byzantine Empire experienced the most extensive contact with territory occupied by barbarians?

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Map 8.1 shows that the western half of the Byzantine Empire, specifically the Balkans and Italy, had extensive contact with barbarian territories such as the Avars, Slavs, and Lombards. The eastern half, on the other hand, had more contact with the Sassanid Empire and other Middle Eastern powers. The northern and southern halves did not have as much contact with barbarians as the western half.