The Historic Mission of The Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantium)

 

"In the Eastern Empire the Mediterranneans were the predominant factor under guise of Byzantine Greeks. Owing to the fact that our histories have been written under the influence of Roman orthodoxy and because in the eyes of the Frankish Crusaders the Byzantine Greeks were heretics, they have been regarded by us as degenerate cowards.

(Clash between Byzantines and Arabs at the Battle of Lalakaon (863)) 

But throughout the Middle ages Byzantium represented in unbroken sequence the Empire of Rome in the East and as the capital of that Empire it held Mohammedan Asia in check for nearly a thousand years. When at last in 1453 the imperial city deserted by western Christendom was stormed by Ottoman Turks and Constantine, last of Roman Emperors, fell sword in hand there was enacted one of the greatest tragedies of all time.
With the Fall of Constantinople the Empire of Rome passes finally from the scene of history and developement of civilization is transferred from the Mediterranean lands and from the Mediterranean race to the North Sea and to the Nordic race."

MADISON GRANT - The Passing of the Great Race (1916)