Why did historians need a new name for the Byzantines empire?

Historians sought a new name for the Byzantine Empire to better reflect its unique identity and historical context, distinct from the earlier Roman Empire. The term "Byzantine" emphasizes the empire's Greek-speaking culture, Christian religion, and its evolution following the fall of the Western Roman Empire. This rebranding helps clarify the empire's continuity and transformation, as it maintained Roman administrative structures while developing its own distinct traditions and governance. Ultimately, the name change aids in understanding the empire's complex legacy.