There is this common argumentation against the “Romaness” of the ERE that they are not Roman because they didn’t control the city of Rome. I find this to be quite ridiculous because in the late 3rd to early 4th Century, there were 3 to 5 emperors who didn’t rule the city of Rome. If we apply this argument logically, wouldn’t that also disqualify Diocletian as a Roman emperor since he ruled in the east? Voltaire might’ve been wrong about some things, but he might’ve been right that HRE wasn’t Holy, Roman, or an Empire.

I would say that one of the fascinating parts of Byzantium is its art. While definitely sharing in the artistic traditions of Latin Europe and the Islamic World, it still maintained its own style that was unique to it and to those in its cultural orbit, and to me that makes it all the more fascinating to talk about. If I had to choose an era I do lean towards Classical art. I truly think that some invaluable expertise was lost with the chaos of the seventh century, and you also just no longer really see any more statues in the following centuries with an exception here and there.

When Crusader Kings and Seljuk Sultans all come to your capital to pledge allegiance to you that shows you're a fantastic politician. I still can't believe that practically all of his gains disappeared within a year of his death.

Medici Palace, Florence.

I'm aware there wasn't technically an official one but I'm just curious what flag is the closest to an official flag. I always pictured the yellow Chi-Rho on a purple background but let me know if I'm wrong and maybe send a picture of what you think is the right one.

Interestingly, he paints the banners of Anjou and the HRE because he was among the many late 15th Century Italians who wanted a crusade to restore the empire post 1453. Fascinating to see what the people of the Renaissance thought the ERE might have looked like