In what ways did the byzantine empire continue the patterns of the classical roman empire? in what ways was it different?

The roman empire is very similar to the byzantine since they were apart for so many years ... Latin was the official language of the Roman Empire, when Rome fell greek and greek culture became the main. Also some ways that stayed similar was the military tactics stayed very similar with a long wooden spear and a oval shaped shield. Also the Political structure and religion stayed similar as well ...