I see no problem with tagging Civs as ancient and modern. That way it could be an option to play with whomever they like. More options are better.
This attitude that old things are best and modernity has nothing to offer is ridiculous, though.
That certainly wasn't what I was implying; I simply have absolutely no interest in history after the Protestant Reformation--and in fact my interest declines with each passing era after Ancient save for a brief revival in the High Middle Ages.