[thomassmith65]

Yes, what I meant to convey is that the lands around the Mediterranean constituted a coherent region more than the Northern Mediterranean combined with Northern Europe.

Greeks and Romans traveled throughout the area. To a Roman, a northern Barbarian was more exotic than the peoples South of the Mediterranean.

We are more similar to Middle Easterners than it might seem, though, granted, Islam today is a huge differentiator.

[1718627440]

Sorry, did you wanted to point out a contradiction or just add to the point?

What I mainly disagree with is:

> ie: themselves.

Those were completely different incompatible cultures. "middle eastern" simply isn't a term, that makes sense for that time as a cultural distinction.

> Islam today is a huge differentiator.

On yet another note, some claim Islam to be somewhat of a Christian sect.

[thomassmith65]

Oh, by 'themselves' I wanted to point out that the first Christians were, obviously, Middle Easterners. There have been Christian communities throughout the region ever since.

Yes, I gather Islam incorporated both Judaism and Christianity.