Yes, people who identify as "Romans" still exist today, particularly in the city of Rome, Italy, and historically, as a self-identification for Greeks within the Eastern Roman Empire.
The Modern Romans of Italy
The term "Roman" (or Romani in Latin and Italian) has been the continuous and uninterrupted demonym for the citizens of Rome, Italy, from the city's foundation right up to the present day. This means that anyone born in or residing in Rome is still officially referred to as a Roman. While their culture, language, and political systems have evolved significantly since antiquity, the traditional designation for the city's inhabitants has remained constant.
- Current Inhabitants: Residents of modern-day Rome, Italy, are indeed Romans by demonym.
- Historical Continuity: This identification has been maintained without interruption for thousands of years.
The Romioi: Eastern Romans
Beyond the direct continuity in Italy, the concept of "Roman" also persisted in the Eastern Roman Empire, often referred to as the Byzantine Empire. For a significant period during and after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Greek-speaking inhabitants of the Eastern Roman Empire identified themselves as Romioi (or related names). This self-identification underscored their perception of being the true inheritors and continuators of the Roman legacy, even as their culture and language became distinct from their ancient Latin-speaking predecessors.
Understanding "Roman" Identity Through History
To clarify the multifaceted nature of "Roman" identity, consider the following distinctions:
| Aspect | Modern Romans (Rome, Italy) | Historical "Romioi" (Eastern Roman Empire) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Identity | Citizens of the modern city of Rome. | Greeks who identified as Romans. |
| Continuity | Continuous and uninterrupted demonym since antiquity. | Self-identification during and after the Eastern Empire. |
| Geographic Focus | Confined to the city of Rome, Italy. | Primarily Greek-speaking areas of the former Eastern Roman Empire. |
| Cultural Context | Modern Italian culture, with historical roots. | Medieval Greek culture and Orthodox Christianity. |
While the ancient Roman Empire has long ceased to exist as a political entity, the legacy of "Roman" identity endures, both as a civic designation in its ancestral city and as a historical self-identification for those who carried its imperial torch in the East.
