Final answer:
The statement is true; the Byzantine Empire significantly influenced the culture, religion, and languages of Eastern Europe through its art, literature, architecture, and the Orthodox Church.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that Eastern Europe was heavily influenced by the Byzantine Empire through traders and, more importantly, the Church, is true. The Byzantine Empire, centered in Constantinople, was a continuation of the Roman Empire in the east and lasted from the fourth century until the fifteenth century. During its reign, Byzantium had a significant impact on the regions around the eastern Mediterranean, including art, literature, and architecture of Eastern Europe. As the Western Roman Empire fell, Byzantine influence, including the spread of Christianity and Greek language, extended to Egypt, the Slavic world, the Middle East, and North Africa. The Empire's cultural practices, trade, and diplomatic contacts created a cosmopolitan network which influenced neighboring regions. This influence was also carried through the Cyrillic alphabet in places like Russia, Ukraine, and Bulgaria. Following the fall of Byzantium, many Greek scholars fled to Italy, contributing to the Renaissance.In conclusion, the cultural and religious exchange between Byzantium and Eastern Europe was profound, fostering the transfer of Byzantine traits such as religious iconography and artistic styles.