Who were the Byzantines and how did they preserve Roman culture?

The Byzantines were indeed the successors of the Eastern Roman Empire, which emerged after the division of the Roman Empire in the late 4th century. This transition marked the continuation of Roman governance, culture, and traditions in the eastern regions, particularly centered around the city of Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).

The Byzantines played a crucial role in preserving Roman culture through various means. They maintained Roman law, architecture, and many aspects of Roman governance, adapting them to fit their own context. For instance, the Justinian Code was a significant codification of Roman law that influenced legal systems for centuries.

Additionally, the Byzantines were instrumental in the preservation of classical literature and philosophy. Monasteries and scholars copied ancient texts, ensuring that the works of Greek and Roman authors would survive through the Middle Ages and eventually be reintroduced to Western Europe during the Renaissance. This intellectual heritage was vital in keeping the essence of Roman culture alive and integrating it into Byzantine society, thus bridging the ancient world and the medieval era.

In contrast, the other choices describe groups or entities that were not directly involved in the preservation of Roman culture. The Germanic tribes, northern European invaders, and nomadic groups in Asia contributed to the fall of the Western