The primary religion of the Byzantine Empire was Eastern Orthodoxy, a branch of Christianity that developed within the Byzantine context. Following the Great Schism in 1054, which divided Christianity into Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy, the Byzantine Empire became a stronghold of the latter. The church played a critical role in the daily lives of Byzantine citizens, influencing culture, politics, and art. The emperor often held a position of authority over ecclesiastical matters, integrating church and state. The Byzantine Empire’s religious traditions profoundly impacted Orthodox Christianity, which continues to influence various Eastern Christian communities today.