How can we improve RAT in 2012

[Ghostmojo]

That name comes from the original Greek city of Byzantion (Roman/Latin Byzantium); later Constantinople; currently Istanbul (we all know this); and who knows what in future centuries?

The Byzantine Empire was the direct descendent of the Eastern Roman Empire, following the split. This is a cultural faultline that still exists - running as it does through the Balkan peninsula.

I think a post-Roman section might be a good idea for many reasons. Commentators who suggest this is a kind of 'hybrid' situation are correct in my view. It was derived from Roman expansion and consolidation, but was based upon previous Hellenic/Hellenistic territories (conquered or otherwise) and of course was largely Greek speaking. Roman Catholicism sprang from the Christianised and Papal western empire, and Greek Orthodoxy sprang from the alternate version in the eastern empire. The differences were there from the beginning (whichever beginning you advocate) and multiplied thereafter.

I don't know what name you might wish to call it but Byzantine Period might be as good as anything, however, please do not incur the wrath of the People's Popular Front of Byzantium (splitters!!!)... ;-)