The Byzantine Empire was important in many ways. One that it created a sort of example of a large mixed community which now is similar to a place like Chicago. Also one of the most famous controversy's (Iconoclasm Controversy) happened in Byzantine. This controversy was over whether their should be a use of icons like Jesus Christ or a saint. As you can imagine this lasted a while from the 7th to 9th centuries. At the end of this controversy Empress Theodora restored the use of icons after her husbands death. People still celebrate this as the Feast of Orthodoxy. Showing that the Byzantine Empire not only was powerful but has an everlasting impression on the world. Hope this answer helps, have a blessed day!