Among others, Mystras grew to be an important intellectual center of the Byzantine period, since the city was a famous center for copying manuscripts.
In the 15th century, the famous Neoplatonist philosopher Georgios Gemistos Plethon settled in Mystras, where he managed to arouse the interest of the West for his interpretation of Platonic philosophy and the study of ancient Greek texts.
Apart from being an important intellectual center, Mystras was also a financial hotspot. This was in large part due to the four urban monasteries which owned large stretches of land in the area, mainly producing wool and silk.
The so-called “Helladic” school of Byzantine architecture, as well as the architecture of Constantinople, projected great influence on the distinct architecture of Mystras.
This is evident from the elaborate spatial planning organization, and the complex urban planning of the town, which included palaces, residences and mansions, churches and monasteries, as well as constructions related to the city’s water supply and drainage and to commercial and craft-based activities.