Was the Byzantine empire primarily a force that preserved Greek and roman traditions or was it a force that gave rise to a new political religious and cultural traditions?

The Byzantine Empire played a dual role in history; it both preserved Greek and Roman traditions and fostered the development of new political, religious, and cultural practices. While it maintained classical knowledge through scholarship and the continuation of Roman law and governance, it also evolved into a distinct entity with its own Orthodox Christianity and unique artistic styles. Thus, it served as a bridge between the ancient world and the emerging medieval Christian cultures, influencing the development of Eastern Europe and the Orthodox Church.