Question

the byzantine empire developed into a unique civilization from the roman empire because..?

Answer 1

I'd probably say it was because it was close to the exotic East -- the trade routes that ran through Asia and the Middle East brought in a lot of influences and ideas from foreign lands.

The Roman Empire in the West pretty much stagnated and fell apart by the time the Byzantines had become powerful. It was also one of the reasons why Constantine decided to move the capital of the empire east because it was closer to where a lot of of the real action was taking place.