I am obsessed with the Byzantine Empire. I want to go to Ravenna to see the mosaics of Justinian. To see the Hagia Sophia. To visit the palace of Diocletian in Croatia. Even more, knowing and understanding the daily life and drama of the Eastern Roman Empire is even more interesting. They fought wars with Persia, Arabs, Barbarians, destroyed the Vandals, ruined the Goths. While the dark ages reverted Western Europe to the barter system, the Byzantines flourished. I'm not sure why, but I feel a kinship with them. When I have a rough day, I think of the trials of Belisarius, and feel better. What?!?