What did the Byzantine Empire notably preserve that had a major impact on Eastern Europe?

The Byzantine Empire is renowned for its role as a cultural and intellectual bridge between the ancient Roman world and the emerging cultures of Eastern Europe. Among the critical contributions, the preservation of Greek language and culture stands out. The Byzantine scholars meticulously copied and preserved classical Greek texts, ensuring the survival of the works of ancient philosophers, playwrights, and historians. This preservation provided a foundation for the Renaissance in Eastern Europe, influencing literature, education, and the arts.

The Greek language itself remained a vital component of the Byzantine culture, allowing for the continuity of Greek literature, philosophy, and science. Additionally, the spread of Byzantine culture, often facilitated through the Orthodox Church, helped Eastern European nations, such as Russia and Bulgaria, to adopt and adapt many aspects of Greek culture, including religion and governance. This established a lasting legacy that shaped the cultural and intellectual landscape of those regions.

Other options may focus on important aspects of the Byzantine Empire, but the preservation of Greek language and culture had the most profound and enduring impact on the development of Eastern Europe.