What attracts you to Late Rome?

[markusaurelius]

My interest in ancient history started with the Greeks and then evolved to the Romans, specifically the 2nd century "golden era". Late Roman stuff is my complete passion now. For me it comes down to the following:

1. The under dog. Always loved them, and the late empire to me encompasses that.

2. Late Roman era is not as well known and there is lots to learn and explore, both in new finds and from a reconstruction point of view. There are also a lot of misconceptions about the strength of late roman armies, their equipment (ie the myth that they didnt wear armor)

3. Beautiful art (contrary to popular belief). Late roman helmets, mosaics etc.

I also enjoy seeing the early manifestations of european culture in the late roman period. How it took another 1000 years of what the 4th century rome had before things advanced further.