[7th Sea] Okay, THAT'S the big difference why the Crescent Empire is so much more vibrant and tolerant than the Middle East ever was. THERE WAS NO VERSION OF THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE. When the Numan Empire fell, it just fell into local rule by the peoples of the various areas.

Well, more tolerant then it ever was I should say. The Middle East has always been vibrant with different cultures. It's just without the Byzantines, Sarmeon (Israel) gets to remain semi autonomous as opposed to just falling under occupation after occupation after occupation.