[MrsEmmaPeel]

My “original” background was Ancient Roman Civilization, Latin and Medieval Studies. (never could make it pay, though :-( ). I've always preferred Roman Civilization even to the Greeks — I know, I know — many will find that distasteful or offensive but that's the way it is. Every time I see a Roman thread, I think of “Life of Brian”. (”And what have the Romans ever done for us?-— Well, apart from the roads, the fresh water system, irrigation, viniculture ... “)

[Lucius Cornelius Sulla]

Don’t forget the Later Roman (Byzantine) Empire without which Islam would have taken Europe from the southeast around the time of Charlemagne. I have long been a fan of their valor.

[SunkenCiv]

:’D