The Vulcan Reformation was a period in Vulcan history where the species united under the teachings of Surak.
Despite this being the case, several Vulcans left their homeworld and settled on Romulus where they formed the Romulan Star Empire. (TOS novel: The Return) There were numerous stories of the era before the Reformation which included tales of heroism, forbidden romance, glorious kingdoms and ruthless battles. In this era, it was noted that by challenging a Vulcan magistrate, one was often sentenced for beheading. When Spock was a child, his uncle Tarok often told him inappropriate stories of the time before the Reformation. (TOS novel: Avenger)